Book Review: Yale Book of Quotations

The Yale Book of Quotations, edited by Fred R. Shapiro (2006), is more than a simple reference book for snappy quotes. The book contains more than 12,000 quotations, with sources and corrections of oft-misquoted remarks. From the front flap: "It is unique in its focus on American quotations and its thorough coverage of items not only from literary and historical sources but also from popular culture, sports, computers, politics, law and the social sciences." Dear old "Anonymous" has a section to him/herself and is also included in listings under folk songs, advertising slogans, film lines, television catchphrases, and proverbs, which are very entertaining. Aside from looking up specific quotations, the YBQ is reader-friendly, interesting and fun to pick up and page through. Not a beach book at 1067 pages.