The Facts on File Dictionary of Classical, Biblical, and Literary Allusions

"Dictionary of Classical, Biblical & Literary Allusions" is published by "Facts on File", long-time Rx for Relief from mental anguish, especially for crossword puzzle addicts. This compilation by three editors () has a marvelous back cover 'blurb' almost worth the price of admission. William Safire says "America must not become a land of lost allusions. This dictionary will help stop the bomb-throwing in Gilead." It really amuses Reviewer mcHaiku because "The Balm in Gilead" is among my favorite gospel hymns. I am sure it is a quote that pleases its author also. This book should help us eliminate some false allusions that take up residence in our memories. It is so easy to be steered to misconceptions by misspellings. This lesson was first learned in my teens when a young man sent me a letter saying "don't take me for granite." "Facts on File" is a long-respected source to have available when you are wishing to avoid embarrassment, or the pitfalls of using a spell-checker. I cut out the Times puzzles each day for family members, but my own enthusiasm lagged when there were no more great "Saturday Review" acrostics .