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The Secret Lives of Words
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The Secret Lives of Words Hardback - 2000 - 1st Edition

by Paul West; Jane Isay (Editor)

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Summary

We are often unaware of the unique and intriguing stories of the words we love. Thousands of our words have been so twisted, tangled, misused, and muddled over the centuries that their original meaning has been obscured. You'll be surprised to learn that table napkins were once made of and referred to as asbestos, that atom means uncuttable, that a cloud was once a hill, and that a companion is one who eats bread with you. Compiled over the years in his handwritten notebooks, acclaimed prose stylist Paul West offers us an album of treasures. The Secret Lives of Words is an "Antiques Road Show" of language, in which West chronicles the centuries-long travels of words across continents and through cultures. For word enthusiasts, speakers, writers, thinkers, and all readers, this volume recounting the intimate ancestry of language will enrich our understanding of and appreciation for the words we use every day.

Reader reviews for The Secret Lives of Words

From the publisher

We are often unaware of the unique and intriguing stories of the words we love. Thousands of our words have been so twisted, tangled, misused, and muddled over the centuries that their original meaning has been obscured. You'll be surprised to learn that table napkins were once made of and referred to as asbestos, that atom means uncuttable, that a cloud was once a hill, and that a companion is one who eats bread with you. Compiled over the years in his handwritten notebooks, acclaimed prose stylist Paul West offers us an album of treasures. The Secret Lives of Words is an "Antiques Road Show" of language, in which West chronicles the centuries-long travels of words across continents and through cultures. For word enthusiasts, speakers, writers, thinkers, and all readers, this volume recounting the intimate ancestry of language will enrich our understanding of and appreciation for the words we use every day.

Details

  • Title The Secret Lives of Words
  • Author Paul West; Jane Isay (Editor)
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 304
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Houghton Mifflin, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
  • Publication date 2000-06-25
  • ISBN 9780151004669 / 0151004668
  • Weight 1.34 lbs (0.61 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.28 x 6.48 x 1.15 in (23.57 x 16.46 x 2.92 cm)
  • Category Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy
  • Library of Congress subjects English language - Etymology
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 99052623
  • Dewey Decimal Code 422.03

Media reviews

"His is one of the most original talents in American fiction."-The New York Times Book Review "Paul West is a writer splendidly attuned to history."-Walter Abish
"A sorcerer of language."-Publishers Weekly
"West is a master."-the Washington Post Book World

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The Secret Lives of Words
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The Secret Lives of Words

by West, Paul

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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 1. Very Good. With dust jacket. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.
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USA: Harcourt, 2000. Harcourt 2000 First Edition NL with "A" Fine/Fine DJ . First Edition NL with "A". Hardcover. Fine/Fine DJ.
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Cengage Learning. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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The Secret Lives of Words
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The Secret Lives of Words

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Cengage Learning. Used - Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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THE SECRET LIVES OF WORDS
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THE SECRET LIVES OF WORDS

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New York: Harcourt (2000), 296pp, slight edgewear to dj.. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.
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The Secret Lives of Words
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The Secret Lives of Words

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Harcourt, 2000. Fine. West, Paul. The Secret Lives of Words. New York City: Harcourt, 2000. 294pp. 8vo. Hardcover. Book condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near fine with light bumping to corners.
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The Secret Lives of Words

by Paul West

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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2000. Hardcover. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Secret Lives of Words

The Secret Lives of Words

by Paul West

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  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2000. Hardcover. Very Good. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Secret Lives of Words
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Secret Lives of Words

by Paul West

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  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
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Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780151004669 / 0151004668
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Houghton Mifflin, June 2000. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. Family-owned bookshop in Steubenville, Ohio: BookMarx Bookstore. Books shipped within 24-48 hours. Pages are clean with no apparent marks. Binding is tight and square. Light shelf wear to cover. Decorative deckled page edges. Support Small Business by buying this book!
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The Secret Lives of Words
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The Secret Lives of Words

by West, Paul

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2000-01-01. 1. hardcover. Good. 16.5x3.2x23.5. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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