Allusions are a colorful extension of the English Language, drawing on our collective knowledge of literature, mythology, and The Bible give us a literary shorthand for describing people, places, and events.This completely new reference work explains the meanings of the allusions in use in modern English, from Abaddon to Zorro, Tartarus to Tarzan, and Rubens to Rambo. It is based on an extensive reading program that has identified the most commonly-used allusions. Quotations from a range of authors and sources are included at most entries to illustrate usage--anywhere from Thomas Hardy to Ben Elton, Charles Dickens to 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.