Overview

""Jezebel"" is an example of an eponym, a person whose name has evolved into a common noun or verb. In addition to eponyms, the English language is peppered with historical allusions that have become disassociated from their original context. For example, the phrase ""mad as a hatter"" refers to the dementia suffered by Victorian hatmakers, who were poisoned by the mercury used in their craft. This reference book provides concise definitions of the contemporary meaning of each term, followed by a detailed explanation of the events that gave rise to it. More than 600 entries encompass allusions and eponyms from all eras of history.

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9780874369502

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"""Auchter, a reference librarian and author...sets out to 'bring the stories of these people back to life,' and she succeeds admirably...this book will be useful to students of language, literature, and history and will prove irresistible to those who are addicted to words and word lore...Recommended for academic and larger public libraries."" - Library Journal, Starred Review ""Suitable for larger academic or public libraries."" - Choice"

Being of US origin, this compilation features many expressions not found in, for example, Brewer's, such as 'Boston Brahmin', 'to eat crow' and even 'grassy knoll'. Auchter takes a generous view of what falls into her remit, embracing 'blackmail' and 'nepotism' at one extreme and 'Dewey decimal system' and 'Rhodes scholar' at the other. The entries total some 550, generally 200-300 words long with a list of sources. The book has large print and a subject index. Although not aimed at children, the text assumes no knowledge of any kind on the part of the reader. (Kirkus UK)

Suitable for larger academic or public libraries. - Choice Auchter, a reference librarian and author...sets out to 'bring the stories of these people back to life,' and she succeeds admirably...this book will be useful to students of language, literature, and history and will prove irresistible to those who are addicted to words and word lore...Recommended for academic and larger public libraries. - Library Journal, Starred Review

Author Information

Dorothy Auchter Dorothy Auchter 's a reference l'brar'an at Oh'o State Un'vers'ty.

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