All Formats & Editions

"An idiosyncratic adventure, pulling you in and saying: 'this is, in fact, not what you were looking for; but its much more interesting."' - Terry Pratchet This flagship title in the Brewer's series was first published in 1870 to supply readers with material that was both entertaining... Read Full Overview

'This is, in fact, not what you were looking for; but it's much more interesting' Terry Pratchett

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable has been much loved for its wit and wisdom since 1870. This iconic reference book will take you on a captivating adventure through its unique blend of language, culture, myth and legend. This latest edition, edited by Susie Dent, includes... Read Full Overview

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable is one of the world's best-loved reference books. First published in 1870, this treasury of 'words that have a story to tell' has established itself as one of the great reference classics—the first port of call for tens of thousands... Read Full Overview

Much loved for its wit and wisdom since 1870, Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable takes you on a captivating adventure through its trademark blend of language, culture, myth and legend. Edited by Susie Dent, this new edition contains an intriguing supplement of Brewer's Gems... Read Full Overview

A new, updated edition of the classic reference book on English-language history and fables, now with a complete index.

First published in 1870, this 'museum of literary odds and ends' was condensed from material in a manuscript that was thrice the size of the finished book. At the end of his life, Ebenezer Cobham Brewer (1810-97) substantially revised and updated the Dictionary in 1895 and it... Read Full Overview