Synopsis
This is an all-American linguistic classic - back in print at last. First published in 1848, John Russell Bartlett's "Dictionary of Americanisms" is a landmark compendium of American slang - a book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the politics, culture, and language of pre-Civil War America. Now republished with a foreword by language maven Richard Lederer, this is a great rediscovery and a perfect glimpse into how Americans talked in the mid-1800's. From New England regionalisms (funkify), New York Dutch words (olycoke), and Native American borrowings (netop) to colorful Western expressions (to see the elephant) and other surprisingly early usages (the blues, flunky), this is a highly readable, engaging dictionary for word buffs and American history fans alike. John Russell Bartlett (1805 - 1886) was a bookseller, politician, ethnographer, draftsman, and linguist. His "Dictionary of Americanisms" went through four editions between 1848 and 1877. Richard Lederer (San Diego, CA) is a bestselling authority on language, puns, and word usage. The author of "Anguished English" and other popular language books, he appears regularly on National Public Radio and elsewhere in the media.
À propos de l?auteur
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, JOHN RUSSELL BARTLETT (1805 - 1886) was a bookseller, politician, ethnographer, draftsman, and linguist. He helped found the American Ethnological Society and was part of a government team that surveyed America's new Southwestern borders after the Mexican War. Between 1848 and 1877, he published four editions of the Dictionary of Americanisms. RICHARD LEDERER (Foreword) is the author of more than 3,000 books and articles about language and humor, including his bestselling Anguished English series. Dr. Lederer's syndicated column, "Looking at Language," appears in news--papers and magazines throughout the United States. He hosts a weekly show, A Way With Words, on San Diego Public Radio. He has been elected International Punster of the Year; has been profiled in magazines as diverse as the New Yorker, People, and the National Enquirer; and is the language columnist for the Toastmaster, Pages, and the old Farmer's Almanac.
Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.