An Exaltation of Larks: The Ultimate Edition
by James Lipton
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 104)
Actually my original copy is the 1968 edition - which has never been out of print--had only 118 pages and 175 terms, the Ultimate edition of 1993 has 300 pages and 1,100 terms. I have given many copies as gifts and bought myself a 1993 edition also.
James Lipton's "An Exaltation of Larks" is a splendid curiosity and a must for any etymology lover's bookshelf. In it, Lipton gathers together virtually every known existing grouping phrase (as in a murder of crows, a leap of leo...more
James Lipton's "An Exaltation of Larks" is a splendid curiosity and a must for any etymology lover's bookshelf. In it, Lipton gathers together virtually every known existing grouping phrase (as in a murder of crows, a leap of leo...more
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
word nerds.
Although at first glance it appears to be no more than a novelty of a reference book, An Exaltation of Larks is a surprisingly enjoyable work one can read straight through. This is primarily owing to the affection the author has put into presenting each term of venery, reflecting years of research to dredge up the meanings behind many an obscure reference. What additionally makes the book a joy to read is the very style with which Lipton writes, reverent and stuffy in the very best learned Briti...more
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aeolist: (EE-uh-list) a pompous, windy bore who pretends to have inspiration
blatteroon: a person who won't shut up; a constant talker
microlipet: (My-kroh-LIP-it) someone who gets all worked up about trivial things
wowser: a persnickety, puritanical, self-righteous snob
*
chavish:(CHAY-vish) the sound of many birds chirping or singing at once
plangent: (PLAN-jent) having a loud, deep, reverberating sound like bells clanging, thunder ru...more
blatteroon: a person who won't shut up; a constant talker
microlipet: (My-kroh-LIP-it) someone who gets all worked up about trivial things
wowser: a persnickety, puritanical, self-righteous snob
*
chavish:(CHAY-vish) the sound of many birds chirping or singing at once
plangent: (PLAN-jent) having a loud, deep, reverberating sound like bells clanging, thunder ru...more
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I love this book -- got it originally when it came out in a much slimmer edition in the 60's and have since bought the updated edition plus copies for many friends... I don't have a television, so I've never seen Actor's Studio and had no idea that the author was a celebrity of sorts (although I'm not sure what that has to do with this book...) At any rate, I find the book most delightful, witty, charming. It has given me a great deal of pleasure over the years.
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Read in October, 2008
This book is a quick, pleasant read with a bonus of lasting fun playing the Game of Venery. Mr. Lipton included "a browse of readers." I would like to propose "a volume of books." And now it's your turn...
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I know I am going to catch flack for this, but...
Horrible, horrible, horrible! I already know how to describe things; I do not care to hear more about Mr. Lipton than I already have had to bear on The Actor's Studio; I am certainly glad I did not have to spend money on it, and frankly I think it's been stealing space from my beloved classics on my main shelves for far too long.
Bleh! :)
Horrible, horrible, horrible! I already know how to describe things; I do not care to hear more about Mr. Lipton than I already have had to bear on The Actor's Studio; I am certainly glad I did not have to spend money on it, and frankly I think it's been stealing space from my beloved classics on my main shelves for far too long.
Bleh! :)
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2 comments
Author who's obsequious on television, yes. Over-designed, yes. Guilty pleasure, for sure. Still, who can pass up "an unkindness of ravens", or a "shrivel of critics"? Venery is inherently outdated, stuffy, pretentious, precious, snarky, and silly. What's not to like?
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Read in January, 2008
All you ever needed to know about "nouns of venery". Find out how the following terms originated:
a thrill of brides
a school of fish
a party of jays
a consumption of yuppies
A great bathroom book! Wonderful illustrations too.
a thrill of brides
a school of fish
a party of jays
a consumption of yuppies
A great bathroom book! Wonderful illustrations too.
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Read in February, 2008
got this at an antiques store yesterday, which was happy-making. i did not guess, at that point, that it was truly *the* james lipton; i'm not sure how i feel about that, but the book is great (looking) nonetheless.
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A friend had this book when I was in high-school, it was in her parent's library. I remember she and I used to flip through it for fun some nights, and I think I need to pick it up sometime soon!
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Read in January, 2006
Lists the appropriate terms of venery as based on old hunting traditions in Europe. Some are poetic like "a murder of crows," "a murmuration of starlings" or "an unkindness of ravens."
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recommends it for:
collective nounophiles
A "shrivel of critics", an "unction of undertakers," an "uncouth of summoners." The game of venery is back on the table. The accompanying illustrations are creepy awesome.
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