Customer Reviews

Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

THE BARNHART CONCISE DICTIONARY OF ETYMOLOGY. Edited by Robert K. Barnhart. 916 pp. New York : Harper Collins Publishers, 1995.

Most readers who enjoy poking around in the histories of words will probably like this dictionary. Printed in a tiny, though extremely clear and readable font, and with its 916 pages of double-columns, it will provide many interesting hours of browsing and research to all lovers of language who like to know where the words we use came from, their evolution, and something of the submerged though potent freight of their connotations.

As might have been expected from a 'Concise Dictionary,' the derivations, which happily avoid the use of pesky abbreviations and symbols, are themselves fairly concise. Although some are much longer, most of them seem to run to an average of about a hundred or so words, but they should be found adequate enough for ordinary purposes. It quickly resolved a question I had about the word "ether" in Emily Dickinson, one that had stumped other etymological dictionaries.

Predictably, however, and like other current etymological dictionaries, the Barnhart Concise doesn't yet seem to have recognized the existence of the Sumerian language. For the word MAMMA (page 453), for example, we are given only the standard explanation and European cognates.

But, all in all, the Barnhart Concise succeeds admirably in achieving what it sets out to do : to give us concise though detailed and readable accounts of most of the words - 21,000 in all - that we are likely to be hunting for information about. The only real problem that I can see with this dictionary is that it isn't really a book, but is instead what the docile modern 'unit of consumption' has been conned into accepting as a book.

In contrast to the high-quality paper and excellent typography, the binding is two bits of cardboard covered, not with a handsome and nice-feeling cloth, but with rather ugly black paper. Who would have thought that a small piece of cotton or synthetic had become too costly for modern man to afford? As for the spine, instead of being stitched and durable and making for a book that will last and will open flat, it is simply - YUCK! - glued. I wonder when it will start to dry out and crack?

Curious that after a century of 'Progress,' and with our escalating spoliation of the planet, and our massive, advanced, and computerized technology, technology which has considerably reduced the cost of manufacturing a book, we seem to have become poorer than the Victorians and earlier folks, most of whose books were beautifully produced and are still as good as new. Still, I suppose someone must pay for those monogrammed driveways....

Any 'book' which comes in such a wretched and inferior binding, hardly deserves to be rated at more than a single star. But because the Concise Barnhart is one of the best dictionaries of its kind, and because of its legible text, I've given it four but may not be quite so charitable in future. After all, neither you nor I are mere 'units of consumption.' We also have feelings, one of which can be disappointment. Or am I the only person left who still likes things to be real?

Unlike most etymology disctionaries, its definitions are unabbreviated, informative and easy to read. The paper is a heavy and colored ecru. This is a truly beautiful book!

Please note, that my assessment of the binding - it's stitched on mine - was made two years ago, hence the difference between tepi's (above) evaluation and mine.

Barnhart's is a word-lover's dream. I enjoy taking it off the shelf and flipping aimlessly to a page, just to see what I'll learn next. As a reference it is very useful and thorough (although there are no pronunciation guides, as in a normal dictionary). As interesting reading, it is even more promising. Learn the history of such words as: freckle, pagoda, and carcass! One drawback: it's just not very portable. If Barnhart's is to be your constant companion, check to see if there's a paperback or desk size available.

This is an excellent rendition on words and their meaning.
Accompanying each word is the date of use, definition in the
preferred mode and multiple terms defined. Sample terms are:

o gimbals-connecting links (1577)
o gitney-nickel
o mint-coin (1423)

This volume would be very valuable for writers, editors,
students and a wide spectrum of the general public.

While there are plenty much more in-depth works for the specialists among us, I've found the Barnhart to be a great addition to my home library. Comprehensive for a one-volume work, attractive design, well-made (no binding issues here), and great for browsing.

I have found that you don't need just one book of etymology, but several, to cover all the ground. This book is a great addition to that part of our library.

If you're a language-phile, you'll appreciate this book. If you're one of those people who chooses their words carefully, and thinks that words mean a lot--sometimes more than most people know--buy this book and get into etymology.

Completetly satisfied wih this purchase! A reference I will go back to time and time again even if just for casual perusal. This dictionary should be on everyone's bookshelf. Period.

Do you want to know where words come from? If so, this book is what you are looking for. Not to be confused with Entymology(the study of insects) Etymology is a study of words, their meanings and where they originated. One doesn't have to be a Linguist to enjoy this work. A good find and a good buy in my opinion.

This is no small volume, and that is to the good. Many words are covered between its bindings and it can serve as a primary "go to" in your library.