Kleins Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language [Unabridged] [Hardcover]

Ernest Klein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1971 | ISBN-10: 0444409300 | ISBN-13: 978-0444409300

Although during the last sixty years philology has attained a high degree of development, looking at the literature available, Etymology appears only to have reached the level of philology at the turn of the century. This dictionary is the first major work of its kind in the 20th century, and as such, embodies the findings of modern philological scholarship. For example, full reference is made to Tocharian, the extinct language rediscovered at the end of the Nineteenth Century which often provides the key to the important transition form between the Old-Indian and the Indo-European group of languages to which English belongs. Several hundred words previously defined as being "of unknown etymology" are fully analyzed.The etymology of words of Semitic origin in the English language is given, the transliteration of Semitic words is based on a concept which renders exactly every consonant, vowel and diacritical sign. Hybrids are not only referred to, but in many cases a new, correctly formed word is suggested. Special attention is paid to loan translations (important elements in the cultural interrelationship between the nations) especially in regard to their passage from one language to another. The dictionary also provides the etymologies of proper and mythological names. Exhaustive cross-referencing, allows the reader to trace all words derived from one and the same base.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Aside from its outstanding value and importance to students of linguistics, Dr. Klein's work is a source of fascinating reading and browsing to anyone with an interest in language.
The American Translators Association Chronicle

Product Details

• Hardcover: 844 pages
• Publisher: Elsevier Publishing Company (January 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0444409300
• ISBN-13: 978-0444409300
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,463,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

133 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Finest English Language Etymological Dictionary, June 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Kleins Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language (Hardcover)

About 30 years ago I visited the late Dr Klein at his Synagogue in Toronto where he translated some historical documents for me. I was very impressed by his ability to identify and interpret the nuances of meaning within the historical context, and also of his profound understanding of linguistics. Dr Klein possessed a quiet unassuming brilliance that shines through on every page of this dictionary. This Dictionary is an exhaustive and detailed etymology, with scholarship unrivalled in English. Consider Dr. Klein's potential competitors for best English language etymology: IMHO, they are Barnhardt's Etymology (aka the new Chalmers D of E), Onion's Oxford Etymology, Weekley's Concise and a number of engaging shorter etymologies by Room, Hendrickson, Ayto and Morris. Each of the competing etymologies approaches the task of creating a concise English language etymology from very different perspectives. So, as a consumer searching for the best work you should first consider what specific etymological requirements you have. (For example, the Barnhardt/Chalmers is unsurpassed with its treatment of American English. In contrast, the Onion Oxford extracts etymology from the OED and provides a chronology of development whereas Morris and Ayto provide considerably smaller though more approachable word list, etc). NOW, if you are wondering what makes KLEIN's etymology the best for all purposes, here's my take. First, consider Dr Klein's perspective. He states that he is dealing "with the origin of words and their sense development thus illustrating the history of civilization and culture". A lofty vision that Klein achieves with ease. Second, Klein's work exhibits the absolute highest level of scholarship and academic focus. Third, his dictionary provides a comprehensive history of the evolution of over 55,000 words, thereby making it the most exhaustive English language etymology available. Fourth, each word is fully developed from their root in the Proto-Indo European hypothetical language (or Tocharian, Semitic, and other sui genris sources) to current modern English usage. Fifth, to the best of my knowledge, Dr Klein's work is the only comprehensive etymology that analyzes common first names, biblical and mythological characters, angels, saints and demons, and place names. Finally, Klein's work also provides thousands of medical, legal and scientific terms, as well as all roots and stems used to create compound English words. Though this is an expensive book, the 7th impression (released in 2000) is beautifully and solidly bound, with legible though small type, and printed on high quality acid free paper. If you plan on buying only one etymology, then this is definitely the one to get - I haven't used any of my others since this arrived a couple months ago.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine reference but a bit pricey..., August 15, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kleins Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language (Hardcover)

Dr. Klein's work is indeed the product of a real scholar and is a most useful etymology. The book is well-bound (signature-sewn) with a bonded-leather hardcover. The entries are incisive and many provide information not found in other such tomes.

However, I feel that the price is very, very steep compared to such top-rate etymologies as Chambers, etc.

The book is definitely worthwhile to own, if you can stretch your book-buying budget enough (mine cried "ouch", but I bought it anyway). Well, we are on this earth only once, I suppose. =)

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poor Binding and quality, March 4, 2006

By 

Andrew L. Campbell "pelsung" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kleins Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language (Hardcover)

The content of this book is in line with other books of this type. I purchased this one because it, reportedly was of the highest quality...hence the price. What I received was a poorly bound book, with a cover that doesn't completely cover the book and glue that is already losing adherence. It appears the publisher is no longer making the high-quality binded version but is still charging the high quality price.