This manual covers the Authorisms: Words Wrought by Writers, a lexicographical exploration of words coined by authors throughout history. Authored by Paul Dickson and published by Bloomsbury USA, this work delves into the origins and evolution of language, highlighting contributions from literary giants such as William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, and John Milton. It examines words and phrases that have become integral to modern English, tracing their lineage back to influential writers and their creative use of language.
The purpose of this manual is to illuminate the fascinating stories behind word creation and popularization. It details the contributions of various authors, from Chaucer to contemporary writers like William Gibson, offering insights into the development of the English lexicon. This resource is intended for anyone interested in language, linguistics, and the rich history of literary expression, providing an entertaining and enlightening perspective on how words enter and shape our vocabulary.
An entertaining, illuminating lexicography of words coined by authors throughout the ages, published on the "sesquiquadricentennial†? (450th anniversary) of Shakespeare's birth.
William Shakespeare's written vocabulary consisted of 17,245 words, including hundreds that were coined or popularized by him. Some of the words never went further than their appearance in his plays, but others-like bedazzled, hurry, critical, and anchovy-are essential parts of our standard vocabulary today.
Many other famous and lesser-known writers have contributed to the popular lexicon. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Sir Walter Scott ranks second to Shakespeare in first uses of words and giving a new and distinct meaning to already existing words (Free Lances for freelancers). John Milton minted such terms as earthshaking, lovelorn, by hook or crook, and all Hell broke loose, and was responsible for introducing some 630 words.
Gifted lexicographer Paul Dickson deftly sorts through neologisms by Chaucer (a ha), Jane Austen (base ball), Louisa May Alcott (co-ed), Mark Twain (hard-boiled), Kurt Vonnegut (granfalloon), John le Carrè (mole), William Gibson (cyberspace), and many others. Presenting stories behind each word and phrase, Dickson enriches our appreciation of the English language in a book as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Author: Dickson, Paul
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Illustration: n
Language: ENG
Title: Authorisms: Words Wrought by Writers
Pages: 00240 (Encrypted EPUB)
On Sale: 2014-04-22
SKU-13/ISBN: 9781620405406
Category: Language Arts & Disciplines : Linguistics - Historical & Com
Category: Language Arts & Disciplines : Linguistics - General
An entertaining, illuminating lexicography of words coined by authors throughout the ages, published on the "sesquiquadricentennial†? (450th anniversary) of Shakespeare's birth.
William Shakespeare's written vocabulary consisted of 17,245 words, including hundreds that were coined or popularized by him. Some of the words never went further than their appearance in his plays, but others-like bedazzled, hurry, critical, and anchovy-are essential parts of our standard vocabulary today.
Many other famous and lesser-known writers have contributed to the popular lexicon. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Sir Walter Scott ranks second to Shakespeare in first uses of words and giving a new and distinct meaning to already existing words (Free Lances for freelancers). John Milton minted such terms as earthshaking, lovelorn, by hook or crook, and all Hell broke loose, and was responsible for introducing some 630 words.
Gifted lexicographer Paul Dickson deftly sorts through neologisms by Chaucer (a ha), Jane Austen (base ball), Louisa May Alcott (co-ed), Mark Twain (hard-boiled), Kurt Vonnegut (granfalloon), John le Carrè (mole), William Gibson (cyberspace), and many others. Presenting stories behind each word and phrase, Dickson enriches our appreciation of the English language in a book as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Author: Dickson, Paul
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Illustration: n
Language: ENG
Title: Authorisms: Words Wrought by Writers
Pages: 00240 (Encrypted EPUB)
On Sale: 2014-04-22
SKU-13/ISBN: 9781620405406
Category: Language Arts & Disciplines : Linguistics - Historical & Com
Category: Language Arts & Disciplines : Linguistics - General
