[Astraeus]

I wish my title could be better-phrased but I lack the words. Hence the need for this thread. Anyone know of any books (besides the dictionary) which are interesting studies into etymology or else a book simply 'showing' the reader how to use archaic/fancy words?

I've had several in the past but now feel my vocabulary is constricting.

[Garf]

How about this ?

I've got a few of these Bloomsbury books, and they're pretty good..

[Billo]

this one is recommended by lots of people who know about these things

[FunkyMunkey]

I thought Bill Bryson's Mother Tongue and Made in America were both really interesting books about the English Language

[PoochJD]

Hi,

I've just borrowed this from my local library, and found it to be fun, and it sounds like it'll be right up your street.

See here - Reading The Oxford English Dictionary: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages!


Pooch

[Mep]

tbh, just general reading (of decent books) on a regular basis is probably the best bet.

Also, articles by good journalists in the 'quality' press.

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by PoochJD

Hi,

I've just borrowed this from my local library, and found it to be fun, and it sounds like it'll be right up your street.

See

here - Reading The Oxford English Dictionary: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages!


Pooch

Sounds interesting, I might have to check this one out.
Cheers

[PoochJD]

Hi Iccz,

Yeah, it's a fun book, and I even learned a few new words myself - admittedly some of which aren't to be used within polite company. (You'll understand, when you get to the chapter on words beginning with "Un-"! )


Pooch

[Astraeus]

Had lost this thread - just uncovered it again!

Thanks very much for the suggestions. Think I'll start with the "Reading the OED" book as it seems slightly less academic than the others but, once that's done with, I may well move on to the others depending on how developed my love of language is after it!

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Astraeus

Had lost this thread - just uncovered it again!

Thanks very much for the suggestions. Think I'll start with the "Reading the OED" book as it seems slightly less academic than the others but, once that's done with, I may well move on to the others depending on how developed my love of language is after it!

Post your thoughts on anything you do read, i've been eyeing a couple of these books up for when my pile gets a bit depleated!

[sunnybacon]

This isn't exactly word-loving, this is more "alternative meanings" for words
The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce
Absolutely hilarious