A Second Browser's Dictionary and Native's Guide to the Unknown American Language

by John Ciardi

Ciardi's second delicious collection of words and phrases in the American Language: their origins, use (both current and outworn), misuse, misinterpretation, the legends that have accrued to many of them, and his own discursive comments on their value and validity.

Historically and socially, the range of Ciardi's entries is wide and free, and because this dictionary has been produced by one intelligence and spirit rather than a committee, the space allocated to each entry has been determined by Ciardi's own opinion of its worth.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

329 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

John Anthony Ciardi was an American poet, translator, editor, writer and etymologist.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second, possibly the third, time through this book. A compilation of short, written etymologies and the text from the longer "Word Rambles" from the author's NPR days, this book is always a joy. Flip it open and start reading. Ciardi's humor and insight provide a simple education and open the doors for the reader's own research. Am currently looking for a copy of the "first" Browser's Dictionary.