The Facts On File Dictionary of Allusions (Writers Reference)

the long version

A comprehensive guide to allusions in the English language. Provides a comprehensive guide to implied or indirect references in the English language. In approximately 4,000 entries, this resource explores well-known events, places, people, and phenomena whose names have acquired a particular meaning beyond that of the word itself. Entries are drawn from a wide range of sources, including Shakespeare and the Bible; Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology; literary texts through the ages; historical events; popular culture; and film and television. Each entry contains a pronunciation guide, a definition, an example of the allusion's use, information on derived forms, and more. --From publisher description.