Catalog Search Results
Author
Summary
In this fast-paced information age, how can Americans know what's really important and what's just a passing fashion? Now more than ever, we need a source that concisely sums up the knowledge that matters to Americans - the people, places, ideas, and events that shape our cultural conversation. With a considerably large number of entries, The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy is that invaluable source. Wireless technology, Gene therapy, NAFTA. In...
Summary
Much loved for its wit and wisdom since 1870, Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable takes you on a captivating adventure through its trademark blend of language, culture, myth and legend. Nowhere else could the histories of the guillotine and Guinness stout sit so comfortably alongside the KGB and the Keystone Kops. Brewer's is a catalogue of curiosities and absurdities that, over almost 150 years in print, has acquired near-mythical status. Edited...
Author
Series
Summary
"Whether it's for a professional document, a school paper, an Internet blog, or something more personal, effective communication depends on clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar rules can trip up anyone, while organization and word choice can make writing memorable--or banal. Whether you are writing a term paper, a scientific article, a resume, a business email, a text message, or presenting information...
Author
Summary
This dictionary provides the user with the basic vocabulary used in business in both British and American English. The dictionary contains words and phrases which cover all aspects of business life from the office to the Stock Exchange and international trade fairs. It is designed for anyone who needs to check the meaning or pronunciation of a business term, but especially for those for whom English is an additional language. Each entry is explained...
Summary
Edited by Robert Nelson and Richard Shiff, Critical terms for art history is both an exposition and a demonstration of contested terms from the current art historical vocabulary. In individual essays, scholars examine the history and use of these terms by grounding their discussions in single works of art, reading each work through current debates and methods. This instructive combination of theory and practice allows readers to examine the terms...
Summary
Immerse yourself in the most interesting, authoritative and helpful English dictionary available -- the unrivalled guide for word lovers. Whether you're an avid wordgamer or just enjoy revelling in the quirks and curiosities of the English language, The Chambers Dictionary is your ultimate companion.
Summary
This authoritative survey of English usage, grammar, and style offers guidance on almost any writing problem imaginable. Arranged in a single, easy-to-use A-Z list, the guide's entries include examples and quotations that show not only correct and incorrect usage but also the relative effectiveness of different expressions in context.
This book confronts traditional bugbears, such as disinterested and lay vs. lie, along with a variety of new challenges,...
Author
Summary
The purpose of this book is to uncover the often surprising connections between elements of the English lexicon that have become obscured by centuries of language change - the links in our word-web that join such unlikely partners as, for instance, beef and cow, bacteria and imbecile, and bishop and spy.
Summary
Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined,...
Summary
The Bloomsbury Thesaurus provides a complete guide to the English language. Full of synonyms, alternatives, a fascinating network of cross-references, this edition includes the most recent terms and expressions - from Britpop to bit map - reflecting both technical and day-to-day aspects of Modern English. It is designed to appeal to both established word-reference enthusiasts and younger users who are just beginning to explore the language.
Author
Series
Summary
Why do we describe something as "A-1", "a lame duck", or "straight from the horse's mouth"? Why is someone's behaviour said to be "beyond the pale"? What is the original meaning of the word "treacle"? This book explores the intriguing origins and development of about 800 words and expressions in English.
The story of the development of English provides an endless source of fascination not only for native speakers but also for students of English as...