Bartlett's Familiar Quotations

Organization and key features

The book arranges quotations principally by author rather than by subject. Within each author entry quotations are presented in roughly chronological order, and authors themselves are listed by date of birth. Each quotation is accompanied by a source citation when available, and the volume includes an index of important words and phrases to help locate passages quickly.

• Author‑centred arrangement, not topical.
• Chronological ordering within entries and by author birth date.
• Source citations and a comprehensive word index to aid lookup.
• Periodic revisions to include contemporary and earlier material.

History and development

The original collection was gathered and first printed in 1855; its name derives from the book's earliest compiler. Over the years successive editors have expanded and revised the contents to reflect changing tastes and newly attributed or discovered material. The work has been reissued many times, with the eighteenth edition published in 2012, demonstrating its continued role as a curated anthology of memorable language.

Uses and significance

Bartlett's is used for locating exact phrasings, confirming authorship and contextual dating of notable lines. It is a practical tool for writers, teachers, historians and public speakers who need reliable citations for frequently quoted material. Because it compiles both classical and modern sources, it also serves as a compact survey of culturally influential expressions across centuries.

Distinguishing points and reception

Unlike subject‑arranged quotation books, Bartlett's emphasis on authorship aids users wanting to explore an individual's recorded statements in sequence. Over time the volume has been both praised for its breadth and critiqued for selection choices; editors have addressed such criticisms by adding contemporary voices and revising attributions. Its continued publication reflects both its practical utility and its place in the tradition of curated literary reference.