The New Penguin Dictionary Of Modern Quotations

Containing the witty one-liners of comedians, the pronouncements of politicians, references from films, literature, song lyrics, newspaper headlines and even the occasional piece of graffiti, The new penguin dictionary of modern quotations brings together 8 000 of the pithiest and most provocative quotations from 1914 to the present. To complement the quotations, there are fascinating biographical sketches of everyone quoted, citing their views on themselves ('I play John Wayne in every affair between Margot Asquith and Margot Asquith will live as one of the prettiest love stories in all literature'). In addition, there are illuminating insights into individual remarks and sayings, clarifying who said what (did James Cagney ever really say 'You dirty rat'?), why they said it and how they often wished they hadn't. Both an essential companion to the modern age and an entertaining and useful reference tool, it offers constant food for thought.