Placenames Of The World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for 6,600 Countries, Cities, Territories, Natural Features and Historic Sites, 2d edition [Hardcover]

Adrian Room (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2005

A placename is often much more than just a label. A name may bespeak the history of a nation, the culture of a people, or the hopes of an individual. Such connections are revealed in this very large reference work on placenames of the world, which offers an in-depth look at the origins of each. First published in 1997, the work in this new edition contains over 6,000 entries, including 1,000 new placenames from previously under-represented areas such as China and Japan. Entries cover natural features such as mountains, rivers and lakes as well as manmade entities such as cities and countries. Each entry includes the name of the feature; a brief description and its geographical location; and the origin of the name with relevant historical, biographical and topographical details. Appendices give the meanings of common elements of non–English placenames (e.g., Abu, as in Abu Dhabi, means “father of”); major placenames in European languages (e.g., Pays-Bas and Paesi Bassi are the French and Italian names, respectively, for what English speakers call the Netherlands); and transcribed Chinese-language equivalents for the names of the world’s countries and capitals.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Containing 1,000 new entries since the first edition was published, in 1997, this work provides an alphabetical listing of the names of geographical locations and natural formations (mountains, lakes, rivers, etc.). Entries include the general location and occasionally the etymology of the place-name along with very brief background history when available. Cross-references provide useful access to different name spellings, changes, and related topics. The excellent introductory essay contains a description of toponymy--the study of place-names--and the numerous factors involved in creating these names. In addition, the essay includes information on commonplace names and interesting observations about naming customs around the world.

Appendixes list the variations of geographical names in different languages and also provide a unique list for the Chinese names of countries and capitals. The scholarly diligence of the author is particularly evident in the select bibliography; he places notations on some entries, warning the reader to "consult with caution" and "consult with extreme caution." It would have been helpful to have a pronunciation guide for the place-names. Nevertheless, this revised edition is an outstanding ready-reference source for both public and academic libraries. Donald Altschiller
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

A noted toponymist and onomastician, Adrian Room is the author of over 40 reference books, including Placenames of France (2004), Dictionary of Pseudonyms (2003), A Dictionary of Music Titles and A Dictionary of Art Titles (2000). He also compiled African Placenames (1994). He lives in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 439 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company; 2 edition (December 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786422483
• ISBN-13: 978-0786422487
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,207,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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