Isms: A Compendium of Concepts, Doctrines, Traits, and Beliefs From Ableism To Zygodactylism

From Asceticism to Libertinism, from Atheism to Zoroastrianism, ISMs is a must for anyone who loves witticisms, aphorisms, and the English language. Over 1,000 "isms" are described in a clever, wry style that makes this a unique reference and a bibliophile's delight. Illustrated.

YA-- For any person who delights in the English language, this compendium is filled with hundreds of fascinating ``isms,'' including numerous witticisms, neologisms, and aphorisms. Each is defined, and some are discussed in detail. Political terms as well as archaic words are included. Attractive line drawings from the 19th century illustrate the text.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This glossary contains about 3000 of the more common isms usually defined in standard dictionaries, and several that have recently appeared on the scene. Definitions are generally clearer than those in dictionaries and may include interesting quotations from history or literature that help increase understanding of the terms. Humorous editorial commentary ridiculing or debunking some of the more pretentious and ludicrous isms provides enjoyable leisure reading as well. This approach does not detract from the book's reference value, which supplements Laurence Urdang et al.'s Ologies & Isms (Gale, 1986. 3d ed.). While Urdang's defined and indexed isms are classified into 430 thematic categories, the von Altendorfs, in a strictly alphabetical arrangement, have included trivialisms such as Donutism, Hippie-ism, and Xeroxism, along with definitions for several of the current "politically correct" isms. Recommended for reference collections.
- Stanley P. Hodge, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.