After reaching America, Columbus introduced Europe to new foodstuffs such as chilli and chocolate, and the words that described them. Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first "jubilee" in 1300, and Francis Bacon published the first "essay" in 1597. The Normans gave us the "feudal system" and "curfews," while the flourishing of Dutch art in the 17th century introduced "easels," "etchings," and "landscapes." Thus, throughout history, events great and small have left their mark on the way we speak. Starting from 1066 and working through to the present-day boom in techno-speak, this book links hundreds of words with the historical upheavals and minor social changes which gave them life.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Two chief features distinguish this etymological study: a chronological scheme highlighting the impact of historical events on language, and an emphasis on terms stemming from inventions and other innovations instead of idioms. As the authors (Current English Usage, Dictionary of Word Origins) also spice their writing with humor and quotations, they commendably encourage browsers and readers new to etymology. A summary of each of approximately 100 historical events is followed by detailed entries discussing the origins of related words. Unfortunately, the authors include minimal background information and direction for further study; a bibliography is available, yet there is no introductory historical survey of the English language or glossary of frequently used terms that take on technical meaning, such as borrowed and unattested. In addition, the alphabetical index lacks proper names. A more comprehensive work that also blends chronology and entries is Craig M. Carver's History of English in Its Own Words (HarperCollins, 1991. o.p.). Otherwise, The Chronological English Dictionary, edited by Thomas Finkenstaedt and others (1970. o.p.) remains a thorough resource for use with The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford Univ. 1999). However, this is recommended for circulating collections in larger public libraries that don't already have these other resources.DMarianne Orme, West Lafayette, IN
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
“Definitions are scholarly yet clear and accessible… People who love words will read it for pure enjoyment.” -- CHOICE
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A brief and interesting read,
This review is from: The Chronology of Words & Phrases: A Thousand Years in the History of English (Paperback)
A chronology of historic events, 1066 to present, in the English-speaking world and the words that derive from or were changed by these events. The events and words are rather selective -- it is after all a fairly slim book -- but it is well-written and enjoyable for historians and etymologists alike. A better browser than reference tool and accordingly recommended as such.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stimulating discussion of English origins,
By
This review is from: The Chronology of Words & Phrases: A Thousand Years in the History of English (Paperback)
As a previous reviewer stated, this book will disappoint you if you are looking for a definitive list of English word origins. But once you accept its eclectic nature, you will love it, if you have an interest in words.The Flavells trace the history of many common words in an entertaining manner. It is amazing how a word can come from an ancestor which is little like it, or have a current meaning that is very different from its meanings in other times. Highly recommended for lovers of language.
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