Interesting Stories about Curious Words : From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings

Author: Dent, Susie

Language: reference & general

Published on 10 October 2024 by John Murray Press (John Murray Publishers Ltd) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 432 pages, Quarter page B&W illustrations for all chapter headings
198 x 130 x 28 | 352g

Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.

Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?What's the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE'S LEG?Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?And, what's so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT? 'Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent' Gyles Brandreth