This thematic dictionary contains entries in about 730 categories for students and general readers interested in understanding the meaning of allusions found in literature, history, religion, language, and culture. It documents the meaning of about 13,000 words from Shakespeare, Dickens and other authors; the Bible and other theological texts; Greek, Roman, and other mythologies; American, European, Eastern, and other legends; and music, the arts, business, comics, movies, television, radio, and popular culture. For instance, "Othello" is listed and defined under the category of anger and "Gloomy Gus" under pessimism. Entries are arranged by category, with several allusions for each, a brief definition, origin, and source references. About 3,500 allusions have been added to this edition, especially in the areas of real people, technology and media, popular culture, religions like Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, children's literature, and politics and world history. The late Urdang was a lexicographer, and Ruffner is a reference publisher. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)