'And I quote...': A history of using other people's words

Quotations are an essential part of language, and Elizabeth Knowles' And I Quote explores how we find, choose, and use them in 21st-century English. It also traces the journeys of individual quotations over time, revealing how they establish themselves and can develop a life independent of their original coinage. Each reader will have their own quotations vocabulary, and the book highlights the many fascinating ways in which quotations have embedded themselves in the language.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Quotations are an integral part of the language's fabric, as demonstrated by Elizabeth Knowles in her book, "And I Quote." Drawing on her extensive experience as an editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Knowles employs a diverse range of examples, spanning from the classical canon to contemporary popular culture, to shed light on the various reasons and ways we quote. Her research primarily centers on how we source, select, and utilize quotations in the English language of the 21st century, but it also takes us on a historical journey to trace the evolution of individual quotations as their meanings subtly shift over time, sometimes spanning decades and even centuries. By following the often-surprising stories of individual quotations, we gain insight into how they establish themselves within the language and to what extent they can develop a life independent of their original coinage.

Each reader of the book will undoubtedly have their own collection of quotations and vocabulary, and they will likely think of additional items that they would like to explore. However, the journeys mapped out in this book provide a captivating exploration of the many fascinating ways in which quotations have become ingrained in the language, from the earliest dictionaries of quotations to the online world we encounter today.

Knowles' book offers a wealth of knowledge and insights into the world of quotations, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in language, literature, and culture. Whether you are a student, a writer, or simply a lover of words, this book will provide you with a deeper appreciation for the power and versatility of quotations in shaping our thoughts and communication.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198766759