Isms: A compendium of concepts, doctrines, traits & beliefs from ableism to zygodactylism

Von Altendorf, Alan

ISBN 10: 0914457454 / ISBN 13: 9780914457459

Published by Mustang Publishing, Memphis, TN, 1991

About this Item

Hardcover, 335 pp., b/w illus., unclipped illustrated jacket. Wear at top of spine, no owner names or gift notes, clean text, tight binding, jacket with tiny (less than 1 cm) tear at top of spine. If you love Aphorisms, Neologisms, Witticisms. and the wonderful English language, you'll be charmed by ISMs, the most complete guide to the world's "isms" including, hundreds of intriguing definitions, engaging quotations, and charming illustrations. Seller Inventory # 025001

Bibliographic Details

Title: Isms: A compendium of concepts, doctrines, ...

Publisher: Mustang Publishing, Memphis, TN

Publication Date: 1991

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Edition: First Printing

About this title

Synopsis:

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.

Reviews:

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.