
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
WORDS; THEIR USE AND ABUSE.
PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORDS.
THE MORALITY IN WORDS.
GRAND WORDS.
SMALL WORDS.
WORDS WITHOUT MEANING.
SOME ABUSES OF WORDS.
SAXON WORDS, OR ROMANIC?
In this thoughtful survey of language, the author invites listeners to linger over the hidden life of words. Drawing on quotations from poets, philosophers, and scholars, the opening pages frame speech as both a vessel for thought and a force that shapes societies. The narrative asks us to consider how a single syllable can lift a nation or wound a soul.
The main body unfolds chapter by chapter, guiding us through the origins of common terms, the quirks of onomatopoeia, and the power of personal names. Alongside lively anecdotes, the writer offers practical tips for sharpening one’s own diction and avoiding the pitfalls of careless usage. With a clear, conversational tone, the work feels like a private lecture that rewards the curious ear with fresh appreciation for every sentence we speak.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (852K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Turgut Dincer, John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
Oct 14, 2018
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1818–1909
A 19th-century American essayist and critic, he wrote warmly about books, language, public speaking, and the habits of thoughtful readers. His work helped bring literary conversation and cultural commentary to a broad audience in Chicago and beyond.
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