Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

  • Apple
  • Android
  • Windows Phone
  • Android

To get the free app, enter your email address or mobile phone number.
Download to your computer
Kindle Cloud Reader

Verbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary 1st Edition

by
Charles Harrington Elster (Author)
› Visit Amazon's Charles Harrington Elster Page
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
Are you an author? Learn about Author Central
Charles Harrington Elster (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 99 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0375709326
ISBN-10: 0375709320
Why is ISBN important?
ISBN
This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work.
Scan an ISBN with your phone
Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices.
Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest <Embed>
Buy used On clicking this link, a new layer will be open
$9.95 On clicking this link, a new layer will be open
Buy new On clicking this link, a new layer will be open
$10.55 On clicking this link, a new layer will be open
More Buying Choices
52 New from $7.94 65 Used from $2.99 2 Collectible from $15.95
119 used & new from $2.99
See All Buying Options
Free Two-Day Shipping for College Students with Amazon Student Free%20Two-Day%20Shipping%20for%20College%20Students%20with%20Amazon%20Student

Top 20 lists in Books
Top 20 lists in Books
View the top 20 best sellers of all time, the most reviewed books of all time and some of our editors' favorite picks. Learn more
$10.55 FREE Shipping on orders with at least $25 of books. In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Frequently Bought Together

  • Verbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary
  • +
  • Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary
  • +
  • The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need: A One-Stop Source for Every Writing Assignment
Total price: $24.15
Buy the selected items together
NO_CONTENT_IN_FEATURE

Product Details

  • Paperback: 459 pages
  • Publisher: Random House Reference; 1st edition (September 26, 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0375709320
  • ISBN-13: 978-0375709326
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Customers Viewing This Page May Be Interested In These Sponsored Links

  (What's this?)

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsPrepare for a fun ride through the English dictionary
By Amazon Customer VINE VOICE on January 7, 2004
Format: Paperback
This book is an interesting stroll through English vocabulary. It starts you out with words that most adults know, and slowly leads you to the vocabulary of the intellectual elite. Along the way are stops for pronunciation tips, common English pitfalls, advice for increasing your vocabulary, and numerous other tips to help you sound like an educated speaker. This book is a very fun and exciting approach to an otherwise boring subject.
I often heard many of the words in this book used on TV or radio, and didn't really know what they meant. Now I know what they mean, not what I think they might mean because of the way they are being used. This book is simply amazing.
Comment 109 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsIt's actually fun
By Robert Potter on May 17, 2001
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
After browsing through many vocabulary-building books, I decided to get this one simply because it seemed to have lots of information besides just plain old definitions and examples of usage. And, like the previous reviews have said, it's actually very interesting and enjoyable to read. I tend to have a short attention span when reading non-fiction sometimes, so I find it strange to be getting lost in this material. I can feel my brain working! It reveals many misconceptions, mispronunciations, and improper applications of lots of words -- some of them "difficult," and others simply things I thought I knew but didn't. The review tests and the arrangement of words into levels of difficulty allow for a very natural sense of development throughout the book.
Comment 77 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsIn short...an excellent and highly entertaining "vocab" book
By Nguyen Hoang on September 22, 2002
Format: Paperback
I never thought that I would be writing a review of a book, let alone a book dedicated to building one's vocabulary...but here it is.
In short, I'm writing this review while I am purchasing my 2nd copy of the book...as my girlfriend is constantly "stealing" this book from me to read.
This book has several excellent points.
1. The author divides his vocabulary building "program" into 10 different levels, and lets the user progress from easier words to much more esoteric words at the very last levels (anyone know the meanings for what "tergiversation", "crepuscular", "hieratic", "fugacious", "or "glabrous"?).
2. Each word is clearly defined, and the author provides a plethora of synonyms (and relevant antonyms) and explains the nuances among the different synonyms.
3. The author provides highly amusing side notes on various words, especially related to the "beastly" mispronunciations and wrong use of certain words.
4. Each level has around 50 words, and they are broken down into sections of 10 words each. This makes it convenient for those who do not have alot of time, as you can read a section at a time.
All in all, I'm halfway through the book, and I can't wait to get through it...not just because I learned some new words in this book, but because this book has provoked me into buying a new Merriam-Webster dictionary and reading all types of materials that I once eschewed because they were not within the domain of what I already knew!
Comment 62 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the BEST Vocabulary Building Books
By Laura De Giorgio on October 29, 2004
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This is a fun book for learning new words. The words are divided in 10 levels, each level containing 50 "key" words. Each level is progressively more challenging (you may read this as - it contains the words you might have been less likely to encounter, though this depends on what do your normally read).

Beside each word, you'll find the pronounciation in brackets. With words which may have two of more pronounciation, they are all mentioned here.

The "key word" is follows with the definition, as well as the origin. For example, if the word has a Latin root, then the Latin word is mentioned, together with the meaning of the Latin word.

Then the usage of the words is mentioned, together with different contexts in which such word may be used. You'll find the contexts where the word was originally used, as well as how its usage spread to other contexts, sometimes altering the meaning the word originally had.

You'll also find sections warning your of "abusage" of the words.

You'll find antonyms and synonyms of the "key" words, together with their definitions, usage, appropriate contexts, and distinguishing differences.

Each level is followed by a reviews, sample text where you can check out your comprehension, additional notes and a quiz.

At the beginning of the book is a "pretest" with 100 words, designed to help you to evaluate your current vocabulary level. At the end of the book is "posttest" with 100 words, designed to help you evaluate how much has your vocabulary expanded after working with this book.
Comment 70 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsA pleasure to read
By A Customer on January 18, 2001
Format: Paperback
You wouldn't think that a book designed to improve one's vocabulary would be a pleasure to read, but this one is. I bought the book because I have often considered ordering the (very expensive) audio program I always seem to see in airline magazines, but have never had the extra cash to spend on it. With it's levels, lists, and review tests, you'd think this book would be as boring as a high school vocab textbook, but it's not at all! Not only does he teach you new words (with precise, accurate definitions), but he throws in interesting tidbits on word history, correct but seldom used pronunciations, and some great anecdotes. I look forward to reading this book every time I open it.
Comment 52 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse

Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsVerbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful

I like this one because it gives you a list of 100 words in the beginning to test your present vocabulary knowledge before starting the book.

Published 2 days ago by Amiyna Ford
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Thx

Published 29 days ago by JJB
5.0 out of 5 starsVery Well Finished, Easy to Use...

I very much love this book...! No introduction and illustration, to the depth and immensity of the English vocabulary, is ever going to be completely easy and fun for someone who... Read more

Published 1 month ago by J. G. Lewis
5.0 out of 5 starsVery comprehensive and good for students preparing for standardized...

Great book

Published 1 month ago by Oh yeah
5.0 out of 5 starsvery helpful!! Had to study for GREs and ...

very helpful!! Had to study for GREs and, although I haven't taken them yet i know that I have learned plenty of new words already. Thanks!

Published 2 months ago by marceldia
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat book to improve vocabulary.

Fun, helps to review vocabulary and speak as a well educated adult.

Published 3 months ago by satisfied customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Good!

Published 4 months ago by Juan Pablo Aguilar
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Just the book I need.

Published 6 months ago by SHANGLUN TSAI
5.0 out of 5 starsAs valuable to anyone as an MBA

One of the best books I ever purchased.
One if the best purchases ever alongside my MBA.

Published 6 months ago by Mr. V. S. Randhawa
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Gifted.

Published 7 months ago by Villa

Set up an Amazon Giveaway

Verbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary
Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more
This item: Verbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary
Set up a giveaway

There's a problem loading this menu right now.

Learn more about Amazon Prime.



Pages with Related Products. See and discover other items: vocabulary words cd, the advantage