The Play of Words: Fun & Games for Language Lovers (Paperback)

~ Richard Lederer (Author) "Engaging in mental games is as beneficial to the mind as physical exercise is to the body..." (more)
Key Phrases: inky pinky, New York, New Hampshire, Old English (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Do you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture, between BY AND LARGE and sailing, between GET YOUR GOAT and horses, or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business? You probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM, SMART AS A WHIP, PLEASED AS PUNCH, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL - but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy, a whip smart, punch pleased, and a doornail dead? By playing the fifty games in this book, you'll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.

About the Author

Richard Lederer is the author of more than 30 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his current book, Presidential Trivia. He has been profiled in magazines as diverse as The New Yorker, People, and the National Enquirer and frequently appears on radio as a commentator on language. Dr. Lederer's syndicated column, "Looking at Language," appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International's Golden Gavel winner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (September 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671689096
• ISBN-13: 978-0671689094
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #144,668 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource for English Teachers & other verbivores, April 20, 1998

By A Customer

This book is full of great ways to have fun with the English language. I have used it during my teaching practicum to teach my students (grade 8 & 12) basic poetic terms. The games are great fun and a wonderful way to start class everyday! The kids keep asking for more & I don't think there's anything better than that. Lederer spans the language from sound devices, to metaphors, to names, to language logic. It's one book I wouldn't want to teach without!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best word games I've ever seen!, January 6, 1999

By A Customer

You don't need to have a sophisticated vocabulary to play these games. It's wonderful with children. We play in the car, at the dinner table, as a homework break. This book goes on vacation with us. I highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for teachers, September 15, 2008

By	Lyra B. - See all my reviews

This is an excellent book for teachers of 4th grade - adult. Contains fun and challenging language activities that can be modified for all levels!