The Right Word in the Right Place at the Right Time: Wit and Wisdom from the Popular Language Column in the New York Times Magazine by William Safire
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This 12th collection from Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist Safire's "On Language" column (in the New York Times Magazine since 1979) proves that there is no wittier, more gracious stickler for correct usage and grammar. Though "idioms is idioms" (he allows for homey advice like "dance with the girl you brung"), Safire won't let anyone get away with "flaunt" when they mean "flout," "momentarily" when they mean "soon," or "drive-by pregnancy" (as was used by President Clinton) when referring to the overly short hospital stays called "drive-by deliveries." When "New" is dropped from New Jersey, Safire reports on the "widespread clipping of the Garden State." Reading Safire, the reader discovers unsuspected but definitively mangled parts of speech. The author sometimes spins hypothetical misuses for the well-turned phrase or choice vocabulary word: regarding words only used in the plural, "a single pastie would be in the category of one hand clapping." Looking beyond syntax, Safire notes the transformation of "down the toilet" into "down the drain" and widespread lexical insensitivity in allowing Native Americans to be slurred by "Indian summer" and the chronologically advanced by "geezer." Meanwhile, the same feminists who insist on "actor" (not "actress") would never call Madonna a "sex god," alleges Safire. This word maven often quotes readers who catch his own bloopers and those of other writers, pointing out gems like, "I could never watch The Wizard of Oz in toto." The linguistic wisdom of this celebrated publishing fixture will continue to attract Jane Doe, Joe Blow, John Q. Public and Joe Six-pack (variants discussed herein). 60 b & w illus. not seen by PW. (On sale Nov. 13)
From Library Journal
Since 1979, Safire has written a weekly New York Times Magazine column, "On Language," and gathered so large and loyal a readership that this, his 12th collection of columns, will have built-in demand. The columns examine and comment on language trends both oral and written, many tracing the origins of timely words and phrases. As a political columnist (his "Essays" appear on the op-ed page of the Times and are syndicated in 300 publications), he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for his observations on the financial dealings of Burt Lance, former president Carter's budget director. Safire finds the subjects for his columns from his close reading of the current political scene as well as from technology, entertainment, and everyday life. He delights in catching those (especially politicians) who misuse words, but he doesn't let himself off the hook. Each column is followed by extracts from readers' letters, including some "gotchas" aimed at him. Some of these letters are from newsmakers and world-renowned language specialists. Though he's more insightful commenting on political language than popular language and culture, Safire never fails to prick the interest of word lovers. Recommended for public libraries. Paul D'Alessandro, Portland P.L., ME
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews
This 12th collection from Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist Safire's "On Language" column (in the New York Times Magazine since 1979) proves that there is no wittier, more gracious stickler for correct usage and grammar. Though "idioms is idioms" (he allows for homey advice like "dance with the girl you brung"), Safire won't let anyone get away with "flaunt" when they mean "flout," "momentarily" when they mean "soon," or "drive-by pregnancy" (as was used by President Clinton) when referring to the overly short hospital stays called "drive-by deliveries." When "New" is dropped from New Jersey, Safire reports on the "widespread clipping of the Garden State." Reading Safire, the reader discovers unsuspected but definitively mangled parts of speech. The author sometimes spins hypothetical misuses for the well-turned phrase or choice vocabulary word: regarding words only used in the plural, "a single pastie would be in the category of one hand clapping." Looking beyond syntax, Safire notes the transformation of "down the toilet" into "down the drain" and widespread lexical insensitivity in allowing Native Americans to be slurred by "Indian summer" and the chronologically advanced by "geezer." Meanwhile, the same feminists who insist on "actor" (not "actress") would never call Madonna a "sex god," alleges Safire. This word maven often quotes readers who catch his own bloopers and those of other writers, pointing out gems like, "I could never watch The Wizard of Oz in toto." The linguistic wisdom of this celebrated publishing fixture will continue to attract Jane Doe, Joe Blow, John Q. Public and Joe Six-pack (variants discussed herein). 60 b & w illus. not seen by PW. (On sale Nov. 13)
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Since 1979, Safire has written a weekly New York Times Magazine column, "On Language," and gathered so large and loyal a readership that this, his 12th collection of columns, will have built-in demand. The columns examine and comment on language trends both oral and written, many tracing the origins of timely words and phrases. As a political columnist (his "Essays" appear on the op-ed page of the Times and are syndicated in 300 publications), he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for his observations on the financial dealings of Burt Lance, former president Carter's budget director. Safire finds the subjects for his columns from his close reading of the current political scene as well as from technology, entertainment, and everyday life. He delights in catching those (especially politicians) who misuse words, but he doesn't let himself off the hook. Each column is followed by extracts from readers' letters, including some "gotchas" aimed at him. Some of these letters are from newsmakers and world-renowned language specialists. Though he's more insightful commenting on political language than popular language and culture, Safire never fails to prick the interest of word lovers. Recommended for public libraries. Paul D'Alessandro, Portland P.L., ME
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews
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cite this book:
- An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain by Diane Ackerman on page 16
- An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain by Diane Ackerman on page 16
- The Right Word in the Right Place at the Right Time: Wit and Wisdom from the Popular Language Column in the New York Times Magazine by William Safire in Front Matter
- No Uncertain Terms: More Writing from the Popular "On Language" Column in The New York Times Magazine by William Safire in Front Matter