Dictionary Set: Dictionary of Idioms, Proverbs, Word Origins, English Down the Ages

Dictionary Set: Dictionary of Idioms, Proverbs, Word Origins, English Down the Ages

by L.Flavell (Author), R.H.Flavell (Author)

Synopsis

The slipcase contains four titles - Dictionary of Idioms, Dictionary of Proverbs, Dictionary of Word Origins and Dictionary of English Down the Ages - between them, over 1,000 pages of information about the origins and meanings of words and phrases in the English language, selected because they have a story to tell that will fascinate the browser as well as satisfying the scholar and serious student. Each title describes the origins and meanings of the chosen word or phrase, giving alternatives and informed speculation where the exact facts are unclear and illustrating usage with modern quotations. Mini-essays scattered through the books enable the authors to expand on broader themes such as What is an idiom?, The Old Curiosity Shop of Linguistics and Portmanteau Words.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 1000
Publisher: Kyle Cathie
Published: 17 Sep 2006

ISBN 10: 1856266567
ISBN 13: 9781856266567

Media Reviews
Praise for previous editions of individual titles: 'This sort of book has two purposes. The first is to be a work of reference... The second is to tempt the reader to dip into the book at random, by unearthing interesting and obscurely derived phrases. Linda and Roger Flavell are discerning in their choice of phrases and assiduous in uncovering their origins.' * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *
The authors present their eclectic material in a relaxed and speculative way, supported by a fascinating diversity of well-chosen quotations. * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *
Linda and Roger Flavell combine wit and wisdom with a sharp eye for oddities - a browser's paradise. * THE TABLET *
A treasure trove for any wordsmith. * WRITING MAGAZINE *
Author Bio
Linda Flavell has a degree in modern languages and subsequent qualifications in secondary and primary teaching. Roger, who died in 2005, had many years' experience working for London University's Institute of Education, concerned latterly with education and international development, and with online education.