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Dictionary of English Down the Ages: Words & Phrases Born out of Historical Events Great & Small
Throughout history, events great and small have left their mark on the way we speak. Columbus's discovery of America introduced to Europe new foodstuffs such as chilli and chocolate – and the words that described them. The Normans gave us the feudal system and curfews, while the flourishing of Dutch art in the seventeenth century introduced easels, etchings and landscapes. Before the 1970s green was a colour with connotations of naivety rather than ecology and until 1990 webs were mostly attached to spiders.
Starting from 1066 and working through to modern-day techno-speak, Dictionary of English Down the Ages links hundreds of words with the historical upheavals and minor social changes which gave them life.
Starting from 1066 and working through to modern-day techno-speak, Dictionary of English Down the Ages links hundreds of words with the historical upheavals and minor social changes which gave them life.
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 31, 2018
Very informative. Who knew that 'easel' originally meant a donkey? Well, Linda Flavell, obviously.
December 10, 2022
Let’s look at words the way history does
Finally, a book that indies of looking up word history, looks up the events that created or made words famous. Some may even be “over the top.”
The events range is 1066 to 1989.
The events Great and small are in chronological order so it makes for good front-to-back reading. If you are looking for a specific word or phrase you will need the index. There is also a useful three-page bibliography.
This is a selection of most interest so do not be disappointed if your favorite event or work is not in this book. Some references may not actually be in the index; I found “the bees’ knees” under the category of “The Cat’s Whiskers.” “The Cat’s Whiskers” is under 1901 radio signals.
Now is your chance to look up your favorite or maybe something that you never thought about.
Finally, a book that indies of looking up word history, looks up the events that created or made words famous. Some may even be “over the top.”
The events range is 1066 to 1989.
The events Great and small are in chronological order so it makes for good front-to-back reading. If you are looking for a specific word or phrase you will need the index. There is also a useful three-page bibliography.
This is a selection of most interest so do not be disappointed if your favorite event or work is not in this book. Some references may not actually be in the index; I found “the bees’ knees” under the category of “The Cat’s Whiskers.” “The Cat’s Whiskers” is under 1901 radio signals.
Now is your chance to look up your favorite or maybe something that you never thought about.
June 18, 2018
"1095 The Council of Clermont: Pope Urban II preaches the First Crusade"
...
"1167 Thomas à Becket is canonised"
...
"c 1290 The Mappa Mundi at Hereford is drawn up"
...
"1347 The Black Death sweeps across Europe"
A remarkable book, an interesting concept. The Dictionary of English Down the Ages derives its structure from a timeline. In this book, Linda and Roger Flavell select dates and events that have influenced and changed English and world history and they examine in what way these moments have affected the English language. I was often surprised and - yup - delighted by the choice of the events discussed and the words and phrases that went on to enrich the English language. I wasn't aware that a dictionary could actually make for an exciting read. I've got several other books by Linda & Roger Flavell on my book shelf and now I know why I'm gonna read them.
...
"1167 Thomas à Becket is canonised"
...
"c 1290 The Mappa Mundi at Hereford is drawn up"
...
"1347 The Black Death sweeps across Europe"
A remarkable book, an interesting concept. The Dictionary of English Down the Ages derives its structure from a timeline. In this book, Linda and Roger Flavell select dates and events that have influenced and changed English and world history and they examine in what way these moments have affected the English language. I was often surprised and - yup - delighted by the choice of the events discussed and the words and phrases that went on to enrich the English language. I wasn't aware that a dictionary could actually make for an exciting read. I've got several other books by Linda & Roger Flavell on my book shelf and now I know why I'm gonna read them.
February 16, 2017
Great fun for etymolical needs.
December 31, 2014
Very interesting book, didn't realise how old/new some words were.
Knew all the words except 'quisling'.
Was expecting a little more humour, some bits were a little dry.
A pronunciation guide would have been useful.
Knew all the words except 'quisling'.
Was expecting a little more humour, some bits were a little dry.
A pronunciation guide would have been useful.
November 12, 2012
It is great book. Fun to read with some interesting history of world events that shaped English Language.
- (www.khatorepharma.com)
November 24, 2012
Wonderful to simply flip through.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews