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The new dictionary of thoughts: A cyclopedia of quotations from the best authors of the world, both ancient and modern, alphabetically arranged by subjects

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A cyclopedia of quotations from the best authors of the wold, both ancient and modern, alphabetically arranged by subjects.

794 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1891

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212 people want to read

About the author

Tryon Edwards

77 books1 follower
Tryon Edwards was an American theologian, best known for compiling the "New Dictionary of Thoughts", a book of quotations. He published the works of Jonathan Edwards (the younger) in 1842. He also compiled and published the sixteen sermons of his great, great grandfather, Jonathan Edwards, on 1 Corinthians 13, the "Love Chapter", entitling the book "Charity And Its Fruits; Christian love as manifested in the heart and life", which thought by some to be the most thorough analysis of the text of 1 Corinthians 13 ever written.

He was minister of the Second Congregational Church in New London, Connecticut, from 1845-1857, after having served in Rochester, New York.

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5 stars
29 (55%)
4 stars
16 (30%)
3 stars
4 (7%)
2 stars
3 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Leon.
35 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2019
"An era is fast approaching when no writer will be read by the majority, save and except those who can effect for bales of manuscript what the hydrostatic screw performs for bales of cotton -by condensing into a period what before occupied a page." - Colton

While picking out quotes from literature and philosophy is enjoyable, it would take a horrendous amount of time to collect as many thought-provoking quotes as Edwards presented in this Dictionary of Thoughts. I wrote down about 150 quotes which means that I paid about 17 pence per good quote. If someone offered me a good quote for 17p I would most certainly take that deal, therefore this book has been a bargain and I can thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

I have only given 4, rather than 5 stars because there are some editing errors (I read the Kindle version) & because Edwards seemed to have had a slight Christian bias (not only is there an obvious absence of Islamic and Buddhist quotes, but at least a quarter of the quotes are related to God/Jesus).
Profile Image for Alicia Zuto.
231 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2021
Obviously this isn't a book that most would read from front to back but I love the fact that it has almost 800 pages of such fun and valid information for people that love learning and wordplay, poetry and writing themselves. It is a great reference book to keep on the shelf and I would recommend it for sure just for the different style it opens up in your world on that bookshelf
Profile Image for Crystal Gettman.
11 reviews
July 28, 2025
not a typical front to back read, rather, this is an encyclopedia of thoughts regarding various themes to potentially gain a new outlook on words and such. big fan of there being much range in popularity of those authoring these quotes.
Profile Image for Cody Scott.
75 reviews28 followers
October 29, 2021
Very good reference guide. Lots of irrelevant theologians mixed in with legitimate philosophers but otherwise a complete collection of reputable thinkers.
Profile Image for Sam.
42 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2008
This is a great reference book for quotes.


"A great thought is a great boon, for which God is to be first thanked, then he who is the first to utter it, and then, in a lesser, but still in a considerable degree, the man who is the first to quote it to us." --Bovee
Profile Image for Ben Wood.
38 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2009
After 40 years of mining, and with 122 years of refinement and careful additions to the vault, this treasure trove yields innumerable precious stones that brighten and enrich my mind each time I pick it up.

It comes closest to the collection of humanity's wisdom that I've ever found.
Profile Image for Man O'neal.
61 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2011
As one could imagine, I didn't actually read this entire book. But I've looked at many of the quotations within and I am comfortable in saying that this is, to me, a five star piece of work. Insightful thoughts and beautiful words throughout. Good stuff no doubt.
Profile Image for Lara.
8 reviews
November 1, 2009
I love this treasure - I found it at a used book store for $4.00 It is amazing, full of the best quotes on every topic!
6 reviews
March 25, 2011
I love to do quick searches on words I'm consitering for a new outlook on the meaning. I love this book. It was my Grandma's.
1 review
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March 12, 2012
I found this book at a thrift store for $1.00.
I believe the one i had, had the same cover but
it was from the 1960's. Awesome book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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