The Merriam-Webster New Book of Word Histories


Book Description

A gold mine of word histories for reference or browsing. Covers the origins of 1,500 words. Over 600 engagingly written articles. Explore the stories behind our vocabulary.







Webster's New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins


Book Description

Provides the origins and history behind thousands of everyday English words. Includes detailed explanations of the context in which each word was originally used.




Word by Word


Book Description

“We think of English as a fortress to be defended, but a better analogy is to think of English as a child. We love and nurture it into being, and once it gains gross motor skills, it starts going exactly where we don’t want it to go: it heads right for the goddamned electrical sockets.” With wit and irreverence, lexicographer Kory Stamper cracks open the obsessive world of dictionary writing, from the agonizing decisions about what to define and how to do it to the knotty questions of ever-changing word usage. Filled with fun facts—for example, the first documented usage of “OMG” was in a letter to Winston Churchill—and Stamper’s own stories from the linguistic front lines (including how she became America’s foremost “irregardless” apologist, despite loathing the word), Word by Word is an endlessly entertaining look at the wonderful complexities and eccentricities of the English language.










While Justice Sleeps


Book Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A gripping, complexly plotted thriller set within the halls of the U.S. Supreme Court, where a young law clerk finds herself embroiled in a shocking mystery crafted by one of the most preeminent judges in America—from celebrated national leader and bestselling author Stacey Abrams. "Abrams follows in Dan Brown’s footprint with this masterfully plotted thriller that unfolds like the ultimate chess match—bold move to bolder move with lives hanging in the balance."—Lisa Gardner, author of Before She Disappeared "A first-class legal thriller, favorably compared to many of the best, starting with The Pelican Brief, which it brings to mind. It’s fast-paced and full of surprises—a terrific read."—Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent Avery Keene, a brilliant young law clerk for the legendary Justice Howard Wynn, is doing her best to hold her life together--excelling in an arduous job with the court while also dealing with a troubled family. When the shocking news breaks that Justice Wynn--the cantankerous swing vote on many current high-profile cases--has slipped into a coma, Avery's life turns upside down. She is immediately notified that Justice Wynn has left instructions for her to serve as his legal guardian and power of attorney. Plunged into an explosive role she never anticipated, Avery finds that Justice Wynn had been secretly researching one of the most controversial cases before the court--a proposed merger between an American biotech company and an Indian genetics firm, which promises to unleash breathtaking results in the medical field. She also discovers that Wynn suspected a dangerously related conspiracy that infiltrates the highest power corridors of Washington. As political wrangling ensues in Washington to potentially replace the ailing judge whose life and survival Avery controls, she begins to unravel a carefully constructed, chesslike sequence of clues left behind by Wynn. She comes to see that Wynn had a much more personal stake in the controversial case and realizes his complex puzzle will lead her directly into harm's way in order to find the truth. While Justice Sleeps is a cunningly crafted, sophisticated novel, layered with myriad twists and a vibrant cast of characters. Drawing on her astute inside knowledge of the court and political landscape, Stacey Abrams shows herself to be not only a force for good in politics and voter fairness but also a major new talent in suspense fiction.




Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day


Book Description

Welcome to Merriam-Webster Kids! Fall 2021 marks the debut of our new imprint that serves our mission to help kids better understand and communicate with the world around them through highly engaging content designed to foster a love of language and learning from an early age. Our list is small, yet focused; over time you will see it build across all categories and ages that serve ages 0-12 and the families, teachers, and librarians that support them. From the largest team of dictionary editors and writers in America, and one of the largest in the world, thank-you for supporting us and Merriam-Webster Kids. Inspired by Merriam-Webster's popular Word of the Day digital feature, this book builds knowledge one day at a time with 366 masterful words, ages 8-12. Become a word virtuoso in just one year with 366 crackerjack words aimed to impress. This charmingly illustrated book features boffo words selected by the masterminds at Merriam-Webster to highlight the English language and its odd and unexpected history.




Webster's New World Large Print Dictionary


Book Description

Easy to read, authoritative, and up to date No more struggling with the fine print, thanks to the Webster's New World Large Print Dictionary, which has all the outstanding features of other Webster's New World dictionaries. * More than 60,000 entries, including all the current vocabulary needed for everyday use * Technical, scientific, cultural, business, and professional terms * Clear, highly readable type * Foreign words and phrases often used in English * Biographical and geographical entries conveniently included in the main A--Z section PLUS: * Etymologies - word histories that add depth and historical context to the understanding of a word * Appendix with weights and measures, U.S. and Canadian data, U.S. presidents, and books of the Bible With all this information presented in highly readable type, this is the one large print dictionary that you can't afford to be without.




Merriam-Webster's Reader's Handbook


Book Description

A complete guide to literary terms. - More than 2,000 entries - Descriptions of terms relating to all genres, styles, and eras - Includes the terminology of rhetorical expressions, verse forms, and meter