The Word Museum: The Most Remarkable English Words Ever Forgotten
Kacirk has written a new book on the same theme as his last book, Forgotten English, gathering hundreds of words that have slipped from common usage. By searching old dictionaries and glossaries, he has compiled words that appeal to him based on their sound (although there is no pronunciation guide), show either endearing or humorous aspects of their times, or illustrate customs. The result is this lark of a book, sure to appeal to all who love words and the sounds they make. In this Aladdin's cave of vocabulary are words like "bouffage" (very satisfying), "ugsumness" (terribleness), "snirp" (shrink), and "maffle" (stutter). The work may be of use to academic libraries where there is strong interest in lexicography, for, in addition to the words and definitions, there is a lengthy bibliography. For public libraries, the use will mainly be in the pleasure of browsing and looking at the many period illustrations. Recommended where there is a perceived need.DNeal Wyatt, Chesterfield P.L., VACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.