Joseph Shipley: 3 books

In this book’s preface, Joseph Shipley explains, “To know the origin of words is to know how men think.” This lively, fascinating, and entertaining book is the result of his efforts—Shipley traces the derivations of hundreds of common English words, from the adventurous tales of their beginnings to their then-current meanings.

The dictionary of world literature: criticism—forms—technique presents a consideration of critics and criticism, of literary schools, movements, forms, and techniques—including drama and the theatre—in eastern and western lands from the earliest times; of literary and critical terms and ideas;...

An alphabetical discussion of words from early English authors, including the most interesting, informative—and revivable—English words that have lapsed from general use. Includes: Words likely to be met in literary reading. Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, the Tudor pamphlets and translations,...