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Product Description
Good Book Guide, March 2005
a light-hearted trip through the fascinating byways of the English language
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
Words are the building blocks of language, but their derivations are often stories in themselves. Have you ever wondered why we wear perfume, read magazines, vote for candidates, speak in jargon? With entries from accolade to zoo and including such disparate items as blackmail, fiasco, influence and rigmarole, 'Dictionary of Word Origins' explains the origins and development of 300 commonly used words. Essays scattered throughout the book deal with more general topics such as 'A Taste of India', 'Days of the Week' and 'Precise Timing' and allow the authors to expand on broader themes. The result is an indispensable guide to the richness and diversity of the English language and an endless source of fascination for anyone who delights in words.
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First Sentence
Knighthoods were a practical arrangement. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Knighthoods were a practical arrangement. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a quick reference to those common words which we all use without thinking this book is a must. Well put together and easy to understand with well researched content. Above all this book is interesting and fun to read. For the serious student of language this book could benefit from a quick reference to the period when the word came into common use.
Highly recommended.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Bought it for our 11 year old son (at his request!), and he loves it. What more can I say. Not an in-depth review, but it does what I wanted of it.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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1 review
4 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Disappointing
22 Nov 2001
Format:Paperback
I received this book as a gift from a friend who noticed my general interest in the origins of words and phrases. And indeed, I was happy when I first saw the title because I do find this subject to be interesting. However upon reading the book I was disappointed.
I can't really put my hand on the reason(s) of my disappointment. It could be because of the fact that I was able to point out a few mistakes myself. It could be because of the complicated and unorganized fashion of presenting the information. It could even be because of the poor printing quality! Nevertheless, I was disappointed and did not find this book to be satisfying.
It could be because I myself didn't have sincere interest in the subject, but I doubt that.
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