Book Description
Did you know that cats are related etymologically to caterpillars? Or that Thomas Edison played a key role in popularizing the use of the greeting "Hello"? Or that muscles were originally mice, since a flexed biceps looks like a little rodent scurrying under the skin?
Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing.
A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung.
Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day.
Customer Reviews:
I would like to say that it's a little bit dissapointing .......2005-05-30
This paperback compendium of articles on the origins of words has been compiled by the editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Among the oddities revealed by its writers are that average derives from an Old French word meaning "damage to shipping", that caprice comes by a devious route from an old Italian word for a hedgehog, that in medieval times deer was the name for any creature, that in Middle English dinner could mean breakfast, that fawn and fetus are etymologically connected, that garage is from a French word whose first sense in that language was a place where one moors one's boat, that junk originally meant old rope ... and so on. Its writers have not shied away from discussing features of some of the most common words, such as a, it and they.
You will also be painlessly introduced to some of the terminology and ideas of etymology, such as back-formation (a word mistakenly formed from another by removing what looks like an ending), folk etymology (popular legends about word origins), metanalysis (a shift in the division between words, as a napron became an apron, metathesis (in which sounds are transposed inside a word, as wops turned into wasp), and melioration (in which over time a word becomes more elevated or positive in meaning). Though not all these terms are explained in the text, there is a glossary at the end of the book.
A very fine linquistic survey .......2005-02-08
How do new words enter the English language and dictionaries - and where did some older oddities come from? Plenty of 'word origin' titles are published; the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries answer numerous questions about what influences word changes and popularity, providing the stories of over 400 words from all areas of the vocabulary. Word Histories And Mysteries: From Abracadabra To Zeus is a very fine linquistic survey which is especially recommended for 'word origin' fans.
Book Description
Do you know what a snollygoster is? Would you eat something called a muktuk? Do you know anyone who engages in onolatry? Impress your friends and pepper your dinner party conversations with such nuggets as gobemouche, mumpsimus, and cachinnate. You can learn about all of these bizarre and beautiful words and many more in Totally Weird and Wonderful Words. Both witty and entertaining, this new paperback brings together two best-selling compendiums to all words unique and strange, Weird and Wonderful Words and More Weird and Wonderful Words. Offering a potpourri of colorful and fascinating words compiled by noted lexicographer Erin McKean, it contains hundreds of definitions, and has been updated to include two new essays, with over 150 words new to this edition. Written in a clear and conversational style, the book contains full-page cartoon illustrations by Roz Chast and Danny Shanahan. Featuring hundreds of words guaranteed to amuse and astonish, this is a book that will appeal to logophiles everywhere. It also features a bibliography of Oxford dictionaries and a guide to creating your own unusual words correctly from Greek and Latin roots. Smart and funny and with just a touch of whimsy, Totally Weird and Wonderful Words is the perfect book for reading in your sitooterie with a bumbo in your hand while mavises sing in your ear.
Customer Reviews:
In fact, this is a combination of the previous two books plus more than 150 new words.......2007-04-20
The previous reviewer stated that this title was the same as the first book in the series, Weird and Wonderful Words. In fact, this book is a compilation of BOTH books (Weird and Wonderful Words and MORE Weird and Wonderful Words) with the addition of more than 150 new words not found in either previous title, as well as two new essays.
Hope this clears up any confusion!
different title, not quite the same book.......2007-03-18
Buyer beware: this is exactly the same book (except for title) as "Weird and Wonderful Words", which is listed here as being by Simon Winchester but in fact is also by Erin McKean. It's an enjoyable book, but you wouldn't want to buy it twice thinking you were getting a sequel.
=========================================
CORRECTION:
My apologies to the beleaguered author - a more careful re-examination of the introduction does indeed disclose that this is a combination of the two previous books, and I'm sure it does include the additional new words. When I first opened it up, all the entries I looked at were repeats, so I jumped to a hasty conclusion.
I do think, though, that online buyers need an advisory on this, as some others might otherwise make the same mistake I did, of thinking that this one is a third book "totally" different from the first two.
Book Description
Weird and Wonderful Words is a pot-pourri, a gallimaufry, a salmagundi, a treasure trove of colourful, quirky, and unusual words. Containing hundreds of definitions written in a clear and conversational style and full-page illustrations which offer a whimsical and hilarious view of our glorious language. Amuse yourself and entertain your friends with your knowledge of who a snollygoster or a Funambulist may be, what a humdudgeon or a nubbingcheat was, or why you might want to engage in catopromancy. Appendices include a bibliography of Oxford dictionaries and a guide to creating your own unusual words correctly from Greek and Latin roots. The perfect stocking filler and gift book, Weird and Wonderful Words is sure to be a favourite of logophiles (word lovers) everywhere.
Customer Reviews:
Rather disappointing........2007-03-01
The words were certainly weird enough, (except for "scofflaw", which I'd thought was a pretty standard and normal one) and I suppose "wonderfulness" is in the eye of the beholder; I just didn't find this book to be as interesting as I'd expected it to be; perhaps I'm not quite the logophile that I'd always thought of myself as. The concept seems interesting to me, but the execution was just a bit too bland for my taste.
Meet the colorful and strange side of English........2004-06-19
This informative, entertaining and amusing reference explains the meaning of hundreds of the most bizarre, astonishing and interesting words that, although technically a part of the English lexicon, have been laid aside from our everyday conversations and are now forgotten and waiting to be found.
Organized alphabetically in a dictionary format, each entry, written in a conversational style, provides a clear definition of a specific word. It often includes the word's origin, and sometimes it's accompanied by a humorous drawing that serves to illustrate both the word's meaning and its usage.
The book also contains a few particular and very funny sections that deal with groups of related words: anatomical terms, names of illnesses, words that begin with the letter "x," and words that end in "logy," among others.
Another hilarious section is "How to Create Your Own Weird and Wonderful Words," intended as a practical guide to help you coin your own unusual vocabulary by using Greek and Latin roots and loose linguistic rules to insure the most legitimate sounding spellings and pronunciation.
As a bonus, especially for those of us interested in doing some further reading, the author also supplies a list of web sites that feature the history and curiosities of the English language, and a list of Oxford dictionaries and reference books.
The only thing missing from this volume is a pronunciation guide, otherwise it is the perfect way to discover, by either direct consultation or casual browsing, the unusual words like ascesis, passiuncle and illywhacker, that decorate our language.
This book is a must-buy for word enthusiasts or trivia lovers alike.
--Reviewed by Maritza Volmar
Weird and Wonderful.......2004-06-07
While this book has entertainment value, it should not be used to increase your vocabulary or help with test scores. It is only a book to skim over on a lazy day, sleepover or boring weekend. The words are defintely not ones you would use everyday.
Fun.......2004-03-26
I leave this one in the Bath room people get a kick out of the diffrant words.Very interesting.(ammusing)
A Foray into Logodaedaly.......2003-03-06
Word lovers should find this book highly entertaining. The selected words include some of my personal favorites, and a great many words completely new to me, some of which are new favorites. The illustrations are ho-hum and may lead many readers to wish the space had been used for more words. Luckily, the compiler plans a collection of weirder and wonderfuller words, which will be given some prosaic title by the publisher.
One caveat: there are some racy entries, not enough to spur sales, but enough to give the book an X rating in some households and a PG-13 in many. Too bad, as the book would otherwise be an excellent inspiration for many a young wordsmith. Perhaps the compiler can be persuaded to gather a similar collection of words, like "googol", of interest to children and adults alike. If only this collection had been just a shade more verecund!
I'll let you buy the book if you want to know the precise meanings of logodaedaly and verecund.
Book Description
Avalon is a site of great power, revered since ancient times as an entrance to, and exit from, the Otherworld. Book provides a coherent context in which to understand Avalon's many mysteries, including the * Isle * Tor * Glastonbury Zodiac, * Abbey * Tor Labyrinth * St. Michael ley line The author invokes the magical, spiritual power of the English landscape with a wealth of detailed information encompassing other belief systems and scared sites. He discusses * Physical and sacred topography * Symbols * Architecture * History
Customer Reviews:
Informative and Interesting.......2007-01-13
I have not yet finished this book, as it does take awhile to read. It is very informative and has a lot of intersting facts about this Avalon and Glastonbury; however, it can be difficult to read.
Excellent historical and mythological reference!.......2003-09-29
Nicholas Mann captures the spirit of Avalon through the combined lenses of history, archeology, mythology and comparative spirituality rarely found in comparable texts. A must-own for anyone interested in Glastonbury, the Arthurian Mythos, spiritual history in sacred Britain, sacred geomety and geomancy. Mann brings a critical yet intuitively insightful perspective to all of the above. Well worth reading more than once!!
Virtual Glastonbury!.......2000-07-07
I've just come back from Glastonbury, and having read this book first helped a great deal. I'm reading it again, and am feeling so enlightened. If you love Avalon, you must have this book.
A Worthwhile Read.......1998-06-28
Anyone interested in the background behind the mysts of Avalon will enjoy this book. I found it well-researched, fairly easy to read, and quite informative. A great collection to my library.
Book Description
Did you know that school originally meant "free time"? Or that a
gymnasium was originally a "nude practice area"? Or that nachos are
named after Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, who created them? The fascinating
stories of these words and over three hundred more are told in More Word
Histories and Mysteries: From Aardvark to Zombie.
In this companion to the popular Word Histories and Mysteries:
From Abracadabra to Zeus, the most surprising stories in the history of
English vocabulary are told as a series of brief notes written in a lively and
entertaining style. Conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, the notes
explore all corners of the dictionary, from everyday words like flak and
sideburns to scientific terms like nitrogen to regionalisms like lagniappe.
The history of many words is traced back to Egypt, India, and other
ancient cultures.
A short introduction sketches the history of the English language
and American regional dialects. A handy glossary defines special terms
for readers who wish to learn more about linguistics and also gives information
about the exotic languages that have enriched our vocabulary.
Photographs and drawings enliven the pages and illuminate the understanding
of word histories.
Product Description
In volume 7 of the popular Young Person's series, the reader will learn to use simple techniques to help heal themselves through music, color, the innate power in their names and more. Simple techniques for healing their pets will also be examined and the reader will discover their own ability to heal themselves and to help others.
Average customer rating:
- A 'must' for any 'word origins' fan who loves to get at the root of the English language
- Not Very Informative or Entertaining
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March Hares and Monkeys' Uncles
Harry Oliver
Manufacturer: John Blake Publishing, Limited
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Similar Items:
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Red Herrings and White Elephants: The Origins of the Phrases We Use Every Day
ASIN: 1843581523 |
Book Description
Why is a March hare mad? Why do we sometimes call ourselves a monkey’s uncle? What are people really doing when they go and see a man about a dog? And what is the original meaning of flying by the seat of your pants? While we might choose our words carefully, we rarely think about the origins of the many phrases, place names, and expressions we use every day. Yet, behind these words lie marvelous stories, steeped in the weird and wonderful traditions of everyday life. From names of streets and public houses to the names of countries, seas, and oceans, this book answers the questions you've always had about the language we all use.
Customer Reviews:
A 'must' for any 'word origins' fan who loves to get at the root of the English language.......2006-06-26
MARCH HARES AND MONKEYS' UNCLES: ORIGINS OF THE WORDS AND PHRASES WE USE EVERY DAY is a 'must' for any 'word origins' fan who loves to get at the root of the English language. Some definitions like 'blarney' or 'limey' may already be well known by avid word fans; others such as 'in the doldrums' are less covered elsewhere and certain to enlighten. From place names to common expressions, the definitions are arranged by topic for easy and fun browsing.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Not Very Informative or Entertaining.......2006-05-11
Oliver belives that fascinating stories lie behind many terms and phrases in our language; his objectives are to inform and entertain with this material.
The material is grouped by topic - eg. Food and Drink, Military, Sports and Games, Law and (dis)Order, Religion, etc. Some examples follow.
"Caesar's Salad" - not named after the Roman leader, but a 1924 innovation by Chef Caesar in an Italian Restaurant in Tijuana.
"Foot the Bill" - originally a 15th century term meaning to add up all the components and total them at the foot (bottom) of a bill.
"Boycott" - came from people agreeing to abstain from contact with a very disliked Captain Boycott during the late 19th century while land reform was underway.
Unfortunately, overall Oliver failed to achieve his objectives. The first because, seemingly more often than not, he was unable to explain a phrase or term's origin; as a result, the interestingness of the material also suffered.
Book Description
The author takes readers into the weird world of time travel and teleportation. Not science fiction, this is an authoritative chronicle of actual time travel experiments, teleportation devices and more.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting theories but..........2005-04-26
This book has some interesting theories and stories but it's very technical. That part bored me rather quickly because I'm not a scientist so a lot of it was over my head. The parts that are not so technical...documented stories are VERY interesting and I'm glad I read the book just for those. So if you are not technically minded then I suggest you not give youself a headache by trying to understand stuff in this book but rather be willing to skip to the good parts.
Zzzzzzz............2003-03-06
Okay, the book is "interesting". But unless you really understand a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo, this book is a guaranteed sleep agent. I enjoyed reading about the strange stories and what not, but, honestly, I could have read them in a Time-Life book. Some are stories that everyone already knows about (Philadelphia Experiment). Some of the diagrams are pretty cheesy. One supposedly is a "time machine", but looks like a baby walker. Please! Most of the "scientific" data is nothing but a bunch of photocopies of other people's work. This book is in no way a "manual" for anything. You won't learn how to time travel. Save your money. Or you can buy mine cheap.
It's probably Time you read this book...........2003-03-06
This book, starts out as a pretty dry read concerning the physics of time travel. This is alright, since the concept is pretty deep, but is better covered by a physicist like Paul Davies, in his book "About Time". The science part reads like a college term paper rather than an interesting portrayal of the science. Then again, we're not buying it to learn about Einstein, are we? No, we want to see about time travel!
Once past the science stuff, we begin to see what 'paranormal' or unexplained events may indicate time travellers. U.F.O.'s is a common theme here, although I'm surprised Childress, who does seem to discuss everything, didn't talk about people purportedly appearing from nowhere. These cases are well documented, and certainly related to the idea of 'time travel'. That aside, he displays some nice photographic and illustrated documentation of U.F.O.'s, starting with the late 19th century. This continues, including Rastafarian Time Travellers. It goes on into the Philidelphia Experiment and how it may relate to time travel. Then, into some people's unfounded claims of either a.) being a time traveller b.) channeling time travellers c.) finding time capsules supposedly left by time travellers, etc. The section on 'Seth' (of 'Seth Speaks' fame) was particularly painful, nearly equal to the lengthy babblings concerning the 'Wingmakers', (look it up on the internet). Later, the book goes into some patents, and ends up with an excellent re-iteration of an actual, verified teleportation performed in California-perhaps the only truly verifiable evidence in this book.
Aside from these difficulties, it really has quite a few photographs and drawings of time machines, either patent ideas or left by 'time travellers'. A few amusing cartoons are included, and it does go into depth (as much as is possible) to speculation of actual work on space-time related projects. Fun to read? Read Well's 'Time Machine' for that (which I was surprised and disappointed Childress did not find some connection to allow him to speculate Wells was writing from first-hand experience). It is a nice collection of the 'time travel' theories, ideas, and purported events in existence to the public today, and for that it is worth a purchase.
Beyond incredible.......2000-11-04
I'm blown away. This is the first book I purchased on time travel. I was actually looking for a book on wormholes, and this was the closest (and best rated) that I could find. I feel foolish now to think that I was just looking for a book on one tiny subject in a gargantuan field.
This book covers so much, it is difficult to swallow. The first section deals with theoretical physics concepts like general and special relativity. These concepts are explained well, for the most part. There are some shortcomings in the editing (like using a term before defining it, and not providing an index or glossary of terms), but it wasn't so bad that it became incomprehensible.
From there, it moves to application of these concepts, The Philadelphia Experiment, and much more. I'm only about half-way through the book, but so far, it just keeps getting better and better. The portions on current research into vertical timelines and defying our conventional perception of physical space are mind-blowing. Even if this book is a complete lie, it is an amazingly well thought-out and thoroughly supported one! Highly recommended. (Don't let the embarrassingly stupid cover or laughable typography fool you, the content is completely professional and fascinating.)
Beyond incredible.......2000-11-04
I'm blown away. This is the first book I purchased on time travel. I was actually looking for a book on wormholes, and this was the closest (and best rated) that I could find. I feel foolish now to think that I was just looking for a book on one tiny subject in a gargantuan field.
This book covers so much, it is difficult to swallow. The first section deals with theoretical physics concepts like general and special relativity. These concepts are explained well, for the most part. There are some shortcomings in the editing (like using a term before defining it, and not providing an index or glossary of terms), but it wasn't so bad that it became incomprehensible.
From there, it moves to application of these concepts, The Philadelphia Experiment, and much more. I'm only about half-way through the book, but so far, it just keeps getting better and better. The portions on current research into vertical timelines and defying our conventional perception of physical space are mind-blowing. Even if this book is a complete lie, it is an amazingly well thought-out and thoroughly supported one! Highly recommended. (Don't let the embarrassingly stupid cover or laughable typography fool you, the content is completely professional and fascinating.)
Book Description
Did You Know That…? is an uncommon compendium of knowledge that will astound, demystify, edify, and debunk. It is a book of ambitious design that is both vastly entertaining and eminently informative. Assiduously researched, it will be an arbiter of disagreements and will stand cherished misconceptions right on their heads. It will also expose factoids, present-day orthodoxy, identify misinformation, clarify the confusing, and present new information. Did You Know That…? is all you need to know…for knowledge is power!
Customer Reviews:
Did You Know That...?: Surprising-But-True Facts About History, Science, Art, Invention, Origins and More.......2007-07-27
This book will be used as a daily informational tool for my school. We are trying to expand the base knowledge of our students from Kindergarten to Fifth Grade.
Get Smart.......2002-02-19
I came away from reading Marko Perko's extraordinary book feeling smarter than ever. For anyone who aspires to gaming on "Jeopardy" or "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," this fantastic book is a MUST!
He explains things with peerless clarity and integrity.
Whole Lot of Knowledge.......2001-12-14
Mr. Perko is as smart as can be. His depth of knowledge is beyond belief and what a writing style. I've read the book twice already. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about everything under the sun.
Simply brilliant!!!
A world of fascinating surprises!.......2001-07-16
Whether you are a true knowledge seeker, or simply a trivia buff, you'll love this book. The author is one of those rare writers that can make non-fiction read like truly great drama. His mind-boggling "truths" about history, science, art, and politics read like an anthology of great short stories. Each engaging and entertaining vignette is packed with facts you just won't find anywhere else. Did You Know That...? is an impressive, informative, and enlightening book of knowledge you won't want to put down. I loved every page!
Book Description
In the bestselling tradition of The Joy of Sex and The Joy of Cooking, now comes The Joy of Publishing, an anecdotal history of book publishing in America.
Customer Reviews:
A Joy to Read.......2000-10-02
Nat Bodian offers a wealth of entertaining anecdotes about world-renowned literary figures, while taking the reader on a never-to-be-forgotten, behind-the-scenes tour of the world of book publishing. Like an encyclopedia, most sections are less than a page; the author reveals hundreds of little-known book facts. Nat Bodian has spent a lifetime in the publishing trade and he truly loves the business. This fascinating book will edify, entertain and delight every author, publisher, book promoter, bookseller and bibliophile. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com
Books:
- Wrestling Babylon: Piledriving Tales of Drugs, Sex, Death, and Scandal
- A Grammar of the Multitude (Semiotext(e) / Foreign Agents)
- A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage At The Alrosa Villa
- Air Guitar
- America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies
- American Cinema/American Culture
- American Government (Cliffs Quick Review)
- Associated Press Reporting Handbook
- At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry
- Behold a Pale Horse
Books Index
Books Home
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- CFO Survival Guide : Plotting the Course to Financial Leadership
- Understanding Accounting in a Changing Environment
- Wardway Homes, Bungalows, and Cottages, 1925
More Word Histories and Mysteries: From Aardvark to Zombie
Word Myths: Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends
Word Origins: An Exploration and History of Words and Language
Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins
Word Origins ... and How We Know Them: Etymology for Everyone
