The Romance of Words (4th ed.)

This compact guide invites anyone with a curiosity about language to wander through the hidden histories of everyday words. The author pulls back the veil on familiar terms—showing, for instance, how “Tammany” once named an Indian chief or why “jilt” shares a root with “Juliet.” With only a modest grounding in Latin or French required, each entry is presented as a short, lively vignette rather than a dense scholarly paper. Readers will find the tone conversational, peppered with literary quotations that illustrate each point.

The book is organized thematically, letting related words sit side by side so patterns emerge naturally. A special chapter on semantics treats meaning as a science in its own right, offering clear explanations that rival more technical works. Throughout, the author debunks popular myths—showing that many so‑called folk etymologies are stranger than the truth. Whether you’re a casual reader or a budding word‑lover, the volume promises a series of delightful “aha” moments without overwhelming detail.