One For Sorrow: A Book of Old-Fashioned Lore
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Product Description
Product Description
Many of the popular, often prophetic, phrases that we use on a day-to-day basis have their roots in traditional folklore. For example: 'One swallow doesn't make a summer'; 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb'; and, 'One for sorrow, two for joy'. Such common idioms are familiar to most people, but their history and origins are far from well known. However, in "One for Sorrow" readers will discover that there is a wealth of fascinating stories and history behind them. This charming book is filled with sayings, legends and proverbs derived from the oral history of the countryside and unveils how they came about, what they mean, and how they came to be such a big part of the language we use today. Written with a light touch and expert knowledge, it will entertain and inform in equal measure - the perfect gift for anyone with an interest in the rich and varied heritage of the English language.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is a well-produced little book, good quality binding and paper - very suitable as a gift. The author is, apparently, a journalist who has had a life-long fascination for 'Old Wives' Tales' and similar folklore, gained from her Fenland ancestors.
The book explains traditional sayings and superstitions and is deceptively well-researched. Each saying is explained in detail, giving the earliest point at which it appears in written English, and the possible date when it might have arisen in oral history before that. It is charmingly illustrated by Charles Bewick, one of the greatest artists in woodcut, and is worth having for the pictures alone.
Suitable for writers or those who just love folklore, or tidbits of language and history. However, the best bit about this book is that it's a suitable present for that notoriously difficult section of the general public - a DAD. Dads, get it on your Christmas list now.
The book explains traditional sayings and superstitions and is deceptively well-researched. Each saying is explained in detail, giving the earliest point at which it appears in written English, and the possible date when it might have arisen in oral history before that. It is charmingly illustrated by Charles Bewick, one of the greatest artists in woodcut, and is worth having for the pictures alone.
Suitable for writers or those who just love folklore, or tidbits of language and history. However, the best bit about this book is that it's a suitable present for that notoriously difficult section of the general public - a DAD. Dads, get it on your Christmas list now.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
There are many books of this type available - a number of proverbs/sayings have been selected and we are told of their origins, meanings and common variants. This particular example of the genre, however is particularly pleasing. The small format is comfortable in the hand, the entries are not overlong and ably researched and the pages are decorated with a number of Bewick woodcuts - which are always a delight. Most of the sayings were familiar, but there were a few surprises, all entertaining. There isn't much more to be said - if you know anyone with an interest in language or folklore, they would appreciate this as a gift, if you can be persuaded to part with it. A great treat.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
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This is a charming little book that is perfect for dipping into to, firstly as a reminder as to quite how complex and full of potential the English language is, and secondly because it's deeply interesting as the author explains the origins of many of the various expressions and sayings that pepper our speech. I found it fascinating to find out that phrases we all use like "there's no smoke without fire" actually have their origins in ancient civilizations. Whilst some of the sayings that are explained are a little more obscure "if birds fly low, then rain shall we know" certainly isn't something I use every day, all of them are well researched and engagingly explained. The black and white illustrations (by Thomas Bewick an eighteenth century wood engraver apparently) are a fitting addition to the text, which is laid out beautifully. This isn't a book to read in one sitting, but it's a joy to own, especially in hardback form and in these days where it can seem expressions like "OMG" are stifling our language I found it a pleasure to read. This book is well written and sure to be enjoyed by anyone who has ever wondered why they say the things they do.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Charming compendium of well-known proverbs and sayings
The origins of old-fashioned lore and country wisdom are often surprising, as Chloe Rhodes reveals in this charming compendium of well-known proverbs and sayings: 'One swallow does... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Country Publications
one for sorrow
we were really pleased with the book it was a present for a friend and they cant put it down. would highly recomend it
Published 4 months ago by tilley
The Proof of the Pudding
Did you ever here an old phrase and wonder where it comes from or even what it means? Many old superstitions or sayings are lost on us today and it's often that we hear them and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Paul B
an excellent book for all ages
Sweet April showers, do spring May flowers. Do you know origin of this saying? Do you know how this saying came about? If not, then this is a perfect book for you. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Champak
A fun and informative little book
This book aims to give us many well known and popular sayings and proverbs and tell us the meanings or origins behind them. Read more
Published 5 months ago by josie82
really interesting collection of phrase meanings
''When the sunne shineth make hey. which is to say. take time when time cometh,lest time steale it away, '' Saying like this and the titles one for sorrow... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ms. L. Walters
A good book for the loo
This is definitely a book to dip into, reading more than a few pages at a time begins to feel repetitive and dulls your interest in the subject. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Constant Reader
Very nice.
This is a very nice little book.
It contains common and not-so common phrases and sayings, along with descriptions and their origins. Read more
It contains common and not-so common phrases and sayings, along with descriptions and their origins. Read more
Published 6 months ago by RJW
Oh for an index
There are many sayings and proverbs that are a familiar part of our speech and yet many who use them have no idea of their origin. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Vinman666
one for sorrow
this book was a gift and i was told it was an excellent read and great value too, almost half rrp. also fast delivery time !
Published 6 months ago by Brett
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