Judy Lindow answers “Anyone know why it's promoted here as 'The...”

Gareth Johnstone asked this question about The Witch Elm:

Anyone know why it's promoted here as 'The Witch Elm' but on Amazon UK it appears as 'The Wych Elm'? Clearly the same book.

Judy Lindow The adjective (and noun) wych is little used these days. The root meaning is 'having flexible branches', from the Common Germanic wik- 'to bend': wych…moreThe adjective (and noun) wych is little used these days. The root meaning is 'having flexible branches', from the Common Germanic wik- 'to bend': wych is used of trees, particularly the wych-elm, sometimes (erroneously) written 'witch-elm'. This is the species of elm-tree whose botanic name is ulmus montana or ulmus glabra, and sometimes ulmus glabra montana. Its wood was formerly used to make bows, according to OED.(less)

flag

Gareth Johnstone Thank you Judy. Very interesting.
Nov 07, 2018 01:22AM · flag

Judy Lindow I just realized I didn't give that credit to some online resource. Sorry. I think both the ideas of flexibility (in how the characters dealt) and magi ...more
Nov 07, 2018 05:34AM · flag

Scooter Rich TY Judy, I was just googling this!
Sep 11, 2019 06:33AM · flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more