People on People: The Oxford Dictionary of Biographical Quotations
by Susan Ratcliffe
Category: Reference

From Martin Amis on Jimmy Connors and Jane Austen on Henry VIII, to Liz Hurley on Marilyn Monroe and Madonna on Eva Peron, here are more than 4,000 quotations about both historical and contemporary figures from all over the world. The speakers are as well known as the people they are talking about, and come from a broad range of disciplines and professions, including actors, architects, dancers, historians, mathematicians, literary figures, politicians, academics, sports personalities, and scientists. We read Margot Fonteyn's praise of Fred Astaire: "His technique is astounding, yet everything is accomplished with the air of someone sauntering through the park on a spring morning." Albert Einstein on Madame Curie: "Very intelligent but as cold as a herring." El Greco on Michaelangelo: "He was a good man, but did not know how to paint." And Barbara Streisand in defense of Bill Clinton: "We elected a President, not a Pope." All the quotations about an individual are brought together in an entry headed by a brief description, making it possible to compare what different people have said about one particular person. A detailed author index gives a context line from each quotation, biographical information on authors, and an overview of their comments, often revealing their personalities. A colorful source of information on famous personalities past and present, People on People is an entertaining read, perfect for browsing.