A Place Called Peculiar: Stories about Unusual American Place-Names [Paperback]

Frank K. Gallant (Author), Victoria Roberts (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1999

From Bug Tussle, Alabama, to Donnybrook, New York, this pop-culture history offers a highly entertaining survey of America's most unusual place-names and their often-humorous origins. The author traveled the country, recording the best stories and legends he encountered. The only nationwide survey of its kind, it's a great browsing book with a state-by-state format for easy reference

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Through dedicated scholarship and talking to lots of folks, Frank Gallant put together the word-lover's guide to the States. From Hot Coffee, Mississippi to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, there are more than 40 oddly named towns, and a story or three for each name. The result is more than just another etymological atlas, it's a travel take-along, an armchair adventure, a probe into the lore of small-town America, and a know-it-all's paradise. It's also useful if you're planning a move. Why live in another drably named city when you could live in Whynot, Bivalve, or Afterthought? Toad Suck, Mollie's Nipple, or Delirium Tremens? Thanks to Gallant, you'd already know the history. --Stephanie Gold

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Merriam-Webster; 1 edition (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087779619X
• ISBN-13: 978-0877796190
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,615,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looking For Nirvana?, August 9, 2000

By 

"goldcoastreviews" - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Place Called Peculiar: Stories about Unusual American Place-Names (Paperback)

This great paperback book is full of hillarious stories about silly named cities in our United States. The cover alone lets you know what you are in for: History Marker stating " While Bloody Battles Raged Throughout The Southern States--Nothing Happened Here----Peculiar. M.O.".

We took this along with us on a summer family drive. I kept hearing, "Hun, look, we are SO close to Climax--Georgia that is" or "Mom, wooo, look! Double Trouble is only 500 miles away!" The personally researched stories which author Frank Gallant included, were passed around and read aloud. This was almost better than the alphabet game for passing those hours on a road trip.

Notes on uncommon attractions, such as a UFO museum and , my gawd, the worlds largest landfill, only added to the fun. The illustrations are fine, yet not really needed.

Oh, still looking for Nirvana? It's in Michigan along with Hell!

A fun & educational book for all ages.

Thank you for your unterest & comment votes--CDS

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsical Delight, November 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Place Called Peculiar: Stories about Unusual American Place-Names (Paperback)

This is a delightful book for auto traveling, bathroom reading, or just sharing with others the chuckles of human whimsey. Some of the place naming stories have an historical perspective and while I found this interesting I enjoyed the silly and peculiar stories the most. The more you read the curiouser it gets.