A celebrated and legendary wordsmith?
924541
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and spent time acting in London before returning to Stratford, where he lived until his death in 1616.

Actual documentation of his life is pitifully lamentable. There are little more than a few signatures, a record of his marriage to Anne Hathaway (not 'The Princess Diaries'), and the birth of their children. Most unusual of all, nothing has ever been found documenting the composition of the many plays and sonnets attributed to him.

This later gave rise to skeptics asking: 'How could a man of such humble origins and education come by such wealth of insight, wide-ranging understanding of complex legal and political matters and intimate knowledge of life in the English court?'

This work, by author David Gowdey, offers an intriguing, challenging and provocative look into this very question. A recommended read to all lovers of great literature.
1779841
What a beautiful tribute to a remarkable writer's father.  If you love unique approaches to writing, you will love the chances taken by Fletcher when he uses lists of words to evoke memories.  Not just a memoir of father but of family and culture and feelings.
I look forward to reading it again to find more wonders.
2098505
Beautifully written, as expected, by the French genius who, I am informed, would sometimes spend hours searching for a single, elusive word or the most clever, crisp, and ultimately brilliant turn of a phrase.  An artful, brush stroked tale about a young man making his way in the world and changing his perceptions as life rudely and repeatedly disciplines him.

Compelling exposition, thoughtful prose...........graceful, elegant, and well worth the time.
1131335
Chesterton was unique, but not in the way people today define the word. Modern society teaches that everyone is equally unique, which really means no one is special. GKC stands alone. Whether you engage in religious study, social study, the love of literature, or look for interesting tidbits to share on Facebook, this book has something to offer.

GKC defines words and labels with wit and laser-point insight. No political correctness here but no ill will either. After sharing a few quotes with friends, they immediately bought the book for themselves or a spouse.

Thank you to editor Dale Ahlquist for compiling this great lexicon. He subtitles the book "Mad, Mundane, and Metaphysical" but I think it's a humorous reminder that people haven't always been as narrow as they seem today.

Enjoy!
4804071
I read a review of this book in the Washington Post's book section today Sunday Nov. 25, 2001. Having read some of Babel's works previously, and based on the review in the WP, I can't wait to get my hands on this latest book. Babel was an absolute genius, martyred by  Stalin in his prime. Moreover, his translator carries the day with a superb translation from the Russian. Don't miss out on one of the 20th century's greatest writers.
576527
I like the wordsmithing; the descriptions of the people, the weather, the politics and the songs about all that stuff. People that are famous or forgotten or who never made a ripple in the general consciousness. I always liked Bob Dylan and never knew why. I still can't tell you why but what he sings and writes about I can relate to. Them Nobel folks got it right.
925544
Sublime works of genius interpreted by a Master
3599506
One of a kind author combined with knowledge that might have otherwise been lost.
91113
Words, phrases, certain sayings we use all the time...do you ever wonder where they came from? "A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi" by Chloe Rhodes lets us in on the origins of things we say every day. From A cappella ( in the manner of the choir) to Zeitgeist (spirit of the time), Chic (elegant) to Sarong (covering), any lover of words will love this book. Examples as well as origins are given alphabetically. This would be a great book for any reader, graduate (high school or college), anyone who is crazy about language.

My Mom instilled me with a love of words, and she would have loved this book! No Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware), needed, this is so much fun!

Get this book for yourself, or for anyone whose Raison d'Etre (reason for being) has anything to do with words. You won't regret it!

I received this book from Julie at FSB Associates for review. Thanks!!
3832718
As it is an autobiography; so the writing and verbage is in Old English script, but easily overcome once you get the feel of his speech. Wonderful read!
4875354
Verisimilitude, wit, character, story: it's all here; along with a splendid evocation of place, indeed of whole worlds.  He has an intriguing way of weaving Latin and Greek into names, too, leaving his inventions both strange yet familiar.
1916440
I propose that this book be read simultaneously with "The Conscience  of Words", by Elias Canetti. They cover about the same theme,  Toulmin's, analytically, Canetti's, poetically. Prepare yourself to an  intellectual feast!
3595977
A beautiful story of a great man. I also met the writer and was very impressed with his verbal word also!
4353854
Beautifully written. A tone and tenor to the writing that begs to be read again, and perhaps again. While different enough to be unique, echoes of Gene Wolfe (Book of the New Sun) or Charles Portis (True Grit) in the elegance of words chosen. Tempo and pace alter between a lazy evening story in the cabin around the fire to the urgency of a thriller. Woven nicely into the story is a sense of traditional drama with the hero's weakness threatening to overwhelm. Strongly recommend for a wonderful, thoughtful, and aesthetic read. A book for the lover of words as well as swords and sorcery.
1225050
Perfect title...my poetry-loving teenage daughter brought this home from her school library and all of us have loved something in it.  One included story "He knew Lincoln" made me cry.
Great for word-lovers...a treasure trove masterfully compiled.
1082862
This writer has an unmistakeable gift for the narrative. This is a book you will find yourself highlighting and quoting for a long time. It is a long book, a slow read because of the marvelous use of language, and the plot and setting are more than fascinating. There is a slew of interesting characters that the narrator encounters, and brings to life quite well. This is a book that is perfect for e-book since it is lengthy and a paperback version would be unwieldy to handle. I will definitely look for more from this author. He is clearly quite gifted!
274431
This is The Guy to read on this stuff. A true lover of words. I wouldn't waste my time on the Obscure Words section but the challenging ones are mostly useful additions to the literate person's vocabulary--at least reading vocabulary.