The Lost Beauties Of The English Language

By Charles Mackay

Book Overview

The Lost Beauties of the English Language is a book written by Charles Mackay that explores the richness and diversity of the English language. The author laments the loss of many beautiful words and expressions that have fallen out of use over time, and seeks to revive them for modern readers.The book is divided into chapters that focus on different aspects of the English language, such as archaic words, obsolete expressions, and regional dialects. Mackay provides examples of these lost beauties and explains their meanings and origins.The author also discusses the importance of preserving language and the cultural heritage it represents. He argues that language is not just a means of communication, but a reflection of a people's history, values, and traditions.Overall, The Lost Beauties of the English Language is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of language. It celebrates the diversity and richness of the English language and encourages readers to appreciate and preserve its many treasures.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 142863617X
• ISBN13: 9781428636170
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Lost English Words

If you love languages in general, the English language in particular, and etymology as a pastime, you will adore this mid-nineteenth century work by the author of Extaordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds. Lost Beauties is like Extraordinary Popular Delusions in that it needn't be read at a sitting; these are books for browsing. You will find Anglo-Saxon rooted words for which you know no English or other cognate - these are truly lost. You will find others that have found their way back into current English, sometimes with a meaning that has been a bit twisted. Most interestingly, you will find pieces of modern words. For example, we currently use the word "reckless," but we have lost the English root "reck." Hours and hours of "aha" moments. Recommended with abandon.