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The words of the English language constitute an incredible heritage, and every word has its own unique history. Originally published in 1984, The Private Lives of English Words tells the fascinating stories behind more than 400 words with a particularly interesting philological history. It describes their diverse origins and the intricate ways in which their meanings and forms have developed through the centuries. Based on the findings of linguistics, discussions of words in the entries are written to interest all lovers of words. In the explanations of how meanings of words have evolved, we find history and fancy, mythology and religion, cultural influences and the manners of society.

All in all, the book is a pleasant and easy-to-use resource for all who are interested in the vocabulary of English.