Overview

Here is a book for anyone who's ever wondered about the difference between a crayfish and a crawfish, or a frog and a toad, or a buzzard and a vulture. Animal taxonomy is not what you'd call an exact science, and the field is lousy with all sorts of confounding terms. This handy reference finally lays to rest the confounding differences between a host of related yet bewildering natural terms: crocodiles and alligators, turtles and tortoises, sweet potatoes and yams, frogs and toads, buzzards and vultures, bison and buffalo, mushrooms and toadstool, and much more.

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9780471273967

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Reviews

Pedants rejoice as Morenson sets verbal misapplication in his sights and lets loose a broadside of correction and proper vocabulary... ( Focus, May 2004) <p> This book is the cat's whiskers. (The Guardian (UK)) <p> Next time you call someone a weasel, ask yourself: was that what you really meant? Or did you really mean a ferret, a mink, or a polecat? Or maybe an ermine, a fisher, or a marten? Mortenson (B.A., philosophy of science) settles that question and dissects commonly confused terms (e.g., corn vs. maize, frogs vs. toads) in this highly engaging work. He succinctly describes and dispels such misconceptions in short, well-rounded sections drawn from literature, popular use, and ancient lore, followed ultimately by more scholarly natural history resources. Although writing for a lay audience, he is not afraid to frame his explanations using scientific nomenclature. In fact, Mortenson begins the book with a brief yet excellent introduction to nomenclature and taxonomy. His work will appeal to a wide audience, from those with a love of natural history or the history of language to anyone simply looking for an interesting read. Highly recommended for all libraries. (Library Journal)

Pedants rejoice as Morenson sets verbal misapplication in his sights and lets loose a broadside of correction and proper vocabulary! (Focus, May 2004)

Author Information

PHILIP B. MORTENSON studied the philosophy of science at the University of Minnesota. This Is Not a Weasel is his first book.

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