Explains the etymologies of more than seven hundred fifty words in order of their entrance into English, featuring chapter prefaces describing the influences of the times and word usages
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From Library Journal:
This is an entertaining as well as informative account of some 750 of the more interesting (and in some cases controversial) etymologies of English words, arranged by chronological groups from Anglo-Saxon times to the 20th century. An index will list the words in alphabetical order. A random check in the OED indicates that Carver, a consultant on the American Heritage Dictionary and Random House Dictionary , knows what he's talking about. Multiple possible etymologies are given in some disputed cases, and copious quotations illustrate the use of the words at different times. While not a substitute for reference purposes of the much larger word hoard in the OED or a good unabridged dictionary, this is an interesting book to read and is recommended, especially for public libraries.
- Catherine V. von Schon, SUNY at Stony Brook
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherHarperCollins
- Publication date1991
- ISBN 10 0062700138
- ISBN 13 9780062700131
- BindingShoes
- Edition number1
- Number of pages275
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Rating