This reference work investigates the breadth of literary history by cataloging the most significant and memorable quotations from across the English-speaking world. Edited by Peter Kemp, the volume serves as a comprehensive repository of lines that have shaped cultural discourse, providing context and attribution for thousands of entries. It functions as a scholarly tool for researchers, writers, and students seeking to verify sources or explore the evolution of literary thought through the ages.

Scholars and librarians frequently cite this volume as a foundational resource for academic research and verification. Readers often note the meticulous attention to detail and the extensive cross-referencing that makes this dictionary a standard in the field.