Comments on: The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:19:20 +0000

Did you know that “cathedral” stems from the Latin word “cathedra” meaning chair? Or that an Epicurean is one who appreciates material pleasures? Or that a shamrock has THREE leaves?
These snippets may indeed seem like bits of useless information, but that is where you are wrong. People who have read this book, can go almost anywhere in the world and look as if they know almost everything. This book can give anyone an instant degree. It makes even the most common of people seem like they graduated with honors from Harvard. With catagories rangin from Philosophy to Literature to Geography to modern history, one can become an expert on almost anything. Since I read this book, I have been able to talk to people I was afraid to, people who seemed too educated, too high up, but now I am equal to them.
The book is arranged in several different catagories, which runs alphabetically in small paragraphs about different aspects of that topic. It can easily be used as a quiz book or as a basis for a class. This book is all the textbooks in the world as one. This book changed my life and can change yours.
I hear you ask if there is anything NOT wonderful about this book, and indeed there is. It is perhaps too American oriented. There are topics specifically labelled “American Geography” and “American History”, and most Historians will agree that the history of America is one of the less important genres of history in this day and age. Perhaps a more global edition needs to be made. it is not only these catagories, however, in the religion catagory, it is mainly American based religions that are talked about. But the author was American and American’s do tend to be proud of their heritage. If I had written it, perhaps I would have focused on the European aspect of things, but such is how things work. Another drawback is the lack of a catagory relating to technology. (But then again, most of us on the internet are biased about that too)
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted an “instant degree”!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:33:41 +0000

When/where is the 3rd Edition?????????? I agree with those who have also asked this question. We’re almost 10 years after the fact!!! I bought my initial “Dictionary” times 4 H.S. graduates, way back in 1994. I couldn’t believe, today, in the bookstore, that they are still selling a 1993 edition, in the year 2002! Comes on, authors, bring us up to date. Do I really want to purchase 1993’s, for this year’s graduates???? Is there anything comparable to this book, readers out there, that you can tell me about, that I can purchase in this dictionary’s stead? Thank you.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:57:18 +0000

Sadly incomplete and inaccurate at times. Too many relevant issues, people and events missing to warrant such a title. I filed my copy in the round – concerned my children might use it! I am sad to see all of these 4 and 5 star reviews posted here. Those seeking a desktop literary reference should try Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:32:33 +0000

The authors have chosen to promulgate an ideology instead of research the truth. Is this intended as a reference book? Page 340 lists “separation of church and state” as being “required by the first amendment to the United States constitution”. Are these authors too lazy to read the constitution, or intentionally lying here? The constition does NOT mention this ideology – this glib comment is an excerpt from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson regarding DENOMINATIONS, not religion. do your homework boys. What a sad example Professor Joseph F. Kent, (Univ. of VA) is setting for his students.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: emily

emily — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:11:19 +0000

This book was a good overview of different world cultures and information important to them-but what about Deaf culture? Where is the entry on Thomas Hopkins Galluadet, or Laurent Clerc? I would expect that in a book that contains detailed descriptions of far away communities-would also be sensitive to ones nearbye. Lets not forget Deaf culture!
Rating: 3 / 5