Gift book for word lovers

Considering how often we need to communicate, we tend to be lazy linguists, reaching for the cliched and commonplace word, even though the English language is brimming with ambrosial alternatives.

But wait just a yoctosecond — help is at hand! In this deliciously witty compendium, Simon Hertnon selects 100 hand-picked rarities and, in a virtuoso display of concinnity and logodaedaly, gives them the kiss of life via clear descriptions of their meaning and crisp examples of their usage.

Not merely a useful resource for writers and communicators, From Afterwit to Zemblanity is an entertaining read for anyone with an appetite for the very brightest gems of the English language.

When it comes to words, English speakers are 'spoilt for choice'. There is nearly a word for everything, but we are overwhelmed by options and, typically, our language is bland and uninspiring. I think of From Afterwit to Zemblanity as a gallery of fine words, and a stroll through it will introduce you to words that will give you reason to pause and consider. Some words will hit you between the eyeballs, others will simply make you laugh, or recognise, or appreciate, or reconsider. But every word will remind you of the choices we can all make, if only we take the time to explore and discern.