A Dictionary of Catch Phrases

Fülszöveg

A Dictionary of Catch Phrases Second Edition The first edition of A Dictionary of Catch Phrases, published in 1977, was Eric Partridge's last major work before his death in 1979. But even before it appeared in print, Partridge was already at work on revision, and of course its publication loosed a flood of comment and suggestions for new entries from the author's admirers, from word and phrase lovers throughout the Englishspeaking world - and beyond. United States readers were particularly helpful in augmenting and correcting what had unavoidably been the Dictionary's weaker aspect, the treatment of American catch phrases. Partridge had almost completed his notes towards this second edition when, in Spring 1979, increasing frailty forced him to hand them on to Paul Beale to edit. Beale was already fully engaged in preparing the eighth edition of the Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English for publication, so it was not until 1982 that he could begin to tackle the present work... Tovább

Fülszöveg

A Dictionary of Catch Phrases Second Edition The first edition of A Dictionary of Catch Phrases, published in 1977, was Eric Partridge's last major work before his death in 1979. But even before it appeared in print, Partridge was already at work on revision, and of course its publication loosed a flood of comment and suggestions for new entries from the author's admirers, from word and phrase lovers throughout the Englishspeaking world - and beyond. United States readers were particularly helpful in augmenting and correcting what had unavoidably been the Dictionary's weaker aspect, the treatment of American catch phrases. Partridge had almost completed his notes towards this second edition when, in Spring 1979, increasing frailty forced him to hand them on to Paul Beale to edit. Beale was already fully engaged in preparing the eighth edition of the Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English for publication, so it was not until 1982 that he could begin to tackle the present work - by which time more catch phrases British and American had come to life or light: 'not a lot', but a good few. In fact, with all the additions noted by Partridge, this second edition is easily half as large again as the first. It is alsó more informative about the origins of many of the catch phrases. Judged by the enthusiastic reception given to the broad rangé of expressions covered in the first edition, A Dictionary of Catch Phrases fiiled a wide linguistic gap and need. It is intended, above all, for the amusement and delectation of generál readers, but its contribution to the study of English idioms and their evolution should not be overlooked by specialists in that field. 'This dictionary can be read for the sheer fun of it -1 read it on a rainy holiday and laughed constantly - but it is a useful book as well, the oral tradition in social history, and like Mr Partridge's dictionaries of slang and the underworld, will be indispensable.' - Paul Theroux, Guardian 'A delightful dictionary to browse through-Sunday Times 'It is magnificent, and is presented in Mr Partridge's charming and anecdotal way. It makes delightful browsing. ... A splendid book.' - Economist This is for dipping, pottering and looking things up. . .. Much marvellous stuff here. I look forward to continuous pleasure.' - Basil Boothroyd, Punch Vissza