Did you know that to tantalize recalls how Greek mythology's Tantalus was tortured by the food and drink just beyond his grasp? If someone goes berserk, he is emulating the Viking warriors of Norse myth - fabled for reckless bravery that bordered on madness? The phenomenon known as an echo takes its name from a nymph of Greek legend, cursed to repeat whatever was spoken to her? In this lively, meticulously researched book, linguist and literary ...

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, ...

From where did the words "bungalow" and "assassin" derive? How were "adder", "anger", and "umpire" originally spelled? In this essential companion to any popular dictionary, over 17,000 entries provide a wealth of information about our language and its history.
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This fascinating dictionary explores the development of over 25,000 English words.
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Fully revised and updated, THE AMERICAN HERITAGE(R) DICTIONARY OF INDO-EUROPEAN ROOTS remains an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of English and its place in the Indo-European language family. More than 13,000 words are traced to their origins in Proto-Indo-European, the prehistoric ancestor of English that was spoken before the advent of writing. In Calvert Watkins's skilled hands, Proto-Indo-European language and ...

Volume 1 of a two-volume work. This classic reference contains most of the more common words used in everyday English conversation, plus slang, archaic words and phrases, coined words and foreign words common in English. Roots are identified, cross-references to words with similar roots are listed and colloquial usages and alternate spellings are given. "Notable for its readable historical discussions, apt citations and jargonless ...

As all lovers of language know, words are the source of our very understanding of ourselves and the world around us. <P> Often, however, our use of language is so automatic that we neglect to consider where those words came from and what they assume. What are the implications, beyond the simple dictionary definitions, of using words such as "privilege, hysteria, seminal," and "gyp?" <P> Browsing through the pages of "The Barhart ...

Expanded reference from the author of the "Pan Book Of Babies Names", that covers traditional names more thoroughly, and new ones more adventurously, than most on the market. Unique features include 18 pages of gender-neutral names, stats for name use since 1900 and sections on Celtic and Native American names. ...

A delightfully offbeat and edifying etymological guide to antiquated words, packed with history, fun facts, literary excerpts, and charming drawings. ...

This delightful journey through classical mythology sheds new light on the origins of many common English expressions and presents an entertaining, educational guide to some of the world's most enduring stories. "Witty and informative".--San Francisco Chronicle. 40 illustrations. ...