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The Etymologicon

A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language

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About this listen

A quirky, entertaining and thought-provoking tour of the unexpected connections between words, read by Simon Shepherd. What is the actual connection between disgruntled and gruntled? What links church organs to organised crime, California to the Caliphate, or brackets to codpieces?

The Etymologicon springs from Mark Forsyth's Inky Fool blog on the strange connections between words. It's an occasionally ribald, frequently witty and unerringly erudite guided tour of the secret labyrinth that lurks beneath the English language, taking in monks and monkeys, film buffs and buffaloes, and explaining precisely what the Rolling Stones have to do with gardening.

©2012 Mark Forsyth (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Social Sciences Witty Funny Thought-Provoking
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A very good mix of knowlege, humour and interest. I didn't mind missing parts because I can listen again.

Very good

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If you could sum up The Etymologicon in three words, what would they be?

This truly is a ramble that stakes out two unlikely cousins and then tracks them back to their common root.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are no characters to follow, perhaps the English language is the only thing we follow.

What does Simon Shepherd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I would probably have stumbled over many words had I tried to read it myself. Here I even get help with the latin words ;)

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A perfect book to keep you happy if you have a long roadtrip, keep you from falling asleep while driving, or simply put you in a good mood with some random facts to give you a great start to a working day :)

All the things you didn't know you wanted to know

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Etymologicon to be better than the print version?

I've only listened to the audio version, but found the narration engaging

What did you like best about this story?

The linkage from one word or idea to the next produced such an unusual trip through the english language

What does Simon Shepherd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The sense of his passion and enthusiasm for the subject really came through

Any additional comments?

A must read for anyone who enjoys the thoughtful use of words

Fascinating insight into the links between words

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The narrator, along with how its written, is amazing!

I want more of this pleaseeeeees!!!

Fun & full of awesome information!

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Easy listen with a great story telling on the origin of words. Light and entertaining, a short volume as well.

Entertaining and full of funfacts

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