A history of English in its own words [Hardcover]

Craig M Carver (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is an entertaining as well as informative account of some 750 of the more interesting (and in some cases controversial) etymologies of English words, arranged by chronological groups from Anglo-Saxon times to the 20th century. An index will list the words in alphabetical order. A random check in the OED indicates that Carver, a consultant on the American Heritage Dictionary and Random House Dictionary , knows what he's talking about. Multiple possible etymologies are given in some disputed cases, and copious quotations illustrate the use of the words at different times. While not a substitute for reference purposes of the much larger word hoard in the OED or a good unabridged dictionary, this is an interesting book to read and is recommended, especially for public libraries.
- Catherine V. von Schon, SUNY at Stony Brook
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 275 pages
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760719799
• ISBN-13: 978-0760719794
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,017,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clever linguistics lesson, September 15, 2000

By 

Elsie Wilson (Aberystwyth, Cymru) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of English in Its Own Words (Paperback)

More than just a dictionary, though that is what it is at base, this book is a linguistics lesson, an history lesson, and an entertainment, all wrapped into one. Divided into six sections, corresponding roughly with historical periods in the development of English, with one geographic (American) thrown in for good measure, the words are given, along with a history of meaning, a derivation (or sometimes several, when which one is uncertain), and, often, a relevant, illustrative quote. I found the two earliest sections the most interesting, perhaps because i find it fascinating to know the ultimate indo-european root of the words (though i do wonder, what lies behind those roots?), and the predominate in these two sections. This is a fascinating book; good for a quick browse or, as i have done, reading from front to back like a novel. Carver is knowledgable, and able to pleasingly convey his knowledge to me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars about as exciting as reading the OED, April 3, 2004

By 

doc peterson (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A history of English in its own words (Hardcover)

_A History of English in its Own Words_ is interesting reading, as it dissects the English language from proto-Indo-European through Old English to Modern English, illustrating how a "living language" is constantly changing and being influenced by other languages and technological advancements.

However, reading it straight through is about as exciting as reading the oxford English Dictionary, as both etymologically break down words to their roots and places of origin (and their original meanings.) Certainly there are some fascinating tidbits included, and as the title suggests, the history of English speakers is revealed through its words. But for non-linguists and historians, the book can be a bit tedious.

For those who are genuinely interested in language (and history, and the history of language) I recommend the OED. For those with just a passing fancy (or those who do not want to invest in what a professor of lingustics refers to as "the Holy of Holies" - the OED), it is an interesting, if dry read.