Nouveau Glossaire Genevois, tome 1/2

This compact volume opens a window onto mid‑19th‑century Geneva, offering a detailed glossary of the local dialect that once colored the city’s streets and cafés. Compiled by a devoted scholar of Arab language and classical literature, the work blends meticulous linguistic analysis with the warm, personal voice of a teacher who cherished his community. Readers will hear the rhythm of everyday speech preserved in a time when the city was rapidly modernising.

Beyond the glossary, the introductory notes trace the compiler’s own journey—from a gifted student in Geneva to a restless researcher who studied in Göttingen, absorbing German, Greek, and Oriental scholarship. His modest, generous spirit shines through, as he celebrates the achievements of friends and mentors while quietly advancing his own erudition. Listening to this collection feels like stepping into a lively lecture hall, where curiosity and kindness guide the exploration of language and history.