Dictionary of Historical Allusions and Eponyms

by Dorothy Auchter Mays

Overview

Jezebel is an example of an eponym, a person whose name has evolved into a common noun or verb. In addition to eponyms, the English language is peppered with historical allusions that have become disassociated from their original context. How many people realize that the phrase "mad as a hatter" refers to the dementia suffered by Victorian hatmakers, who were poisoned by the mercury used in their craft?

This work is the first reference book in English specifically devoted to uncovering the origins of these unique words and phrases. It provides a concise definition of the contemporary meaning of each term, followed by a detailed explanation of the events that gave rise to it. The 750 entries encompass allusions and eponyms from all eras of history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780874369502
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/01/1998
Series:	Contemporary Ethical Issues
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Dorothy Auchter
Dorothy Auchter 's a reference l'brar'an at Oh'o State Un'vers'ty.

Editorial Reviews

Auchter, a reference librarian and author…sets out to 'bring the stories of these people back to life,' and she succeeds admirably….this book will be useful to students of language, literature, and history and will prove irresistible to those who are addicted to words and word lore….Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.” —Library Jourbanal, Starred Review

“Suitable for larger academic or public libraries.” —Choice

From the Publisher

Eponyms, those personal names that have evolved into words used in everyday speech and writing, fill our language. Some are obvious, like Diesel, Fahrenheit, Victorian, and Jezebel, while for others, such as Boycott, Chauvinist, Rastafarian, and Nicotine, connections to long-forgotten people are rarely made. Auchter, a reference librarian and author of The History Highway: A Guide to Internet Resources (M.E. Sharpe, 1996), sets out to "bring the stories of these people back to life," and she succeeds admirably. She gives a one-sentence definition, followed by a concise (200- to 500-word) essay for each of nearly 600 eponyms and historical allusions from all eras, including the 20th century. The essays illuminate current meaning by thoroughly explaining the historical situation that produced the words, and each entry ends with bibliographical reference to three or four sources. Only real, historically verifiable people and events appear here; allusions from fiction or mythology have been excluded. While not comprehensive, this book will be useful to students of language, literature, and history and will prove irresistible to those who are addicted to words and word lore. Other recent and noteworthy reference works on the topic include Morton S. Freeman's A New Dictionary of Eponyms (Oxford Univ., 1997)--strictly a dictionary--and Andrew Sholl's Wellingtons, Watts & Windsor Knots: How the Names Became the Words (NTC/Contemporary, 1997), which is as entertaining as Auchter but lacking in allusional material. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.--Paul A. D'Alessandro, Portland P.L., ME

Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Readable and informative etymological explications of more than 550 words and phrases used in the English language. Each entry begins with a brief definition, traces the term's history, and then closes with a short list of bibliographic sources. Auchter has displayed excellent judgment in her selection of expressions and done an admirable job in explaining their historical background and popular usage. Some of the allusions she includes are "by hook or by crook," "to eat humble pie," "slush fund," and "spick and span." A few of the eponyms cited are "Edmond Hoyle," "Charles Boycott," and "Jessica Mitford." This lively resource provides students with an enjoyable and educational tool to improve their writing skills and to enrich their understanding of our language.-Peggy Mooney, Pohick Public Library, Burke, VA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Presents the definitions and historical backgrounds of over 550 words, terms, and phrases, from A-1 (stemming from the Lloyd's of London registry ship classifications) to Zoroastrianism. A small sampling of other entries includes: say it ain't so, Joe; turn a blind eye, Ockham's razor, and teddy bears. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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