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Synopsis
A witty and fascinating foray into the origins of words reveals the historical and literary figures who have lent their names to the English language--from Achille's heel to Reverend William Archibald Spooner's spoonerisms--in the hopes of keeping it colorful and lively. 12,500 first printing.
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Review
Venn diagram, Möbius strip, and Achilles' heel are all phrases that clearly derive from the names of the persons who described, discovered, or inspired them. But a lot of English words one would never know had originated in proper names. So knowing, however, enriches one's understanding of the word, whether the person behind it is real or imagined, historical or literary, a scientist or a mythical figure. The next time you see a maverick (Samuel Augustus Maverick, Texas cattle rancher) epicure (Epicurus, Greek philosopher) whisk up a tantalizing béchamel sauce (Marquis de Béchamel), don't hector (Trojan hero) him about his sideburns (Union general Ambrose Everett Burnside) or his cardigan (James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of). Just grab a sandwich (also Earl of), your favorite teddy bear (President T. Roosevelt), and a copy of Eugene Ehrlich's wonderfully entertaining What's in a Name, for a laze under the bougainvillea (Louis Antoine de Bougainville). No Baedeker (German publisher) can recommend an afternoon better spent. --Jane Steinberg
About the Author
Eugene Ehrlich is a retired member of the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University.
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- PublisherHenry Holt & Co
- Publication date1999
- ISBN 10 0805059423
- ISBN 13 9780805059427
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Edition number1
- Number of pages238
- Rating
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What's in a Name?: How Proper Names Became Everyday Words
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WHAT'S IN A NAME? : How Proper Names Became Everyday Words
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Henry Holt & Company [1999], New York, 1999
ISBN 10: 0805059423
ISBN 13: 9780805059427
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What's in a Name?: How Proper Names Became Everyday Words
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WHAT'S IN A NAME? How Proper Names Became Everyday Words
Published by
Henry Holt & Co, New York, 1999
ISBN 10: 0805059423
ISBN 13: 9780805059427
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What's in a Name?: How Proper Names Became Everyday Words
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