An Exaltation of Larks: 2

This is no page turner but it isn't supposed to be. I love words, definitions, etc. This is a collections of group terms. An "unkindness of ravens" , "a route of wolves" , "a bellyful of bores", etc. Just fun. Cost was great and shipping was fast. It would make a good oddball gift.

I never got the book, but received a full refund and a goodwill bonus. They did try to get the book for me, but were unsuccessful.

I greatly enjoyed the introduction: the background and stories were fascinating. Be sure to read that part. Then, meander through the book picking pages at random, whenever the fancy strikes you - minutes will turn into hours filled with delight.

This is a book everyone should have, right next to the dictionary. Not because you need it -- just because it's a whole lot of fun. The proliferation of venereal terms -- words for groups of things that congregate, especially animals and people -- is one of the most unique and interesting features of the English language. Such terms include "gaggle of geese", "pod of seals", "school of fish" and my possible favorite, "murder of crows".

James Lipton, known mainly for leading the Actors' Studio and hosting a cable TV show of the same name, has come up with a marvelous book detailing both the history and logic behind the "game" of developing collective nouns in English. The quotation and sourcing of terms from early English texts is really invaluable, and the list of terms, sometimes with helpful and insightful background notes by Lipton, is a joy to read.

There is also a large section at the back that presents newly invented terms, which I presume are mostly by Lipton. This "Ultimate Edition" expands greatly on this section of new words. My interests are mainly for the historic terms that already form part of the language, although I do not wish to begrudge anyone the opportunity to coin new venereal terms.

Still, this "Ultimate Edition" also adds new historical terms and background compared to previous editions. For that reason, I would also recommend this latest edition to stick-in-the-mud types like myself.

Whatever edition you buy, I'm sure you won't regret it. This book is a great fun to sit and leaf through. It also makes a great gift. I used to keep a small stack of them as presents for unforeseen situations, and I just might start doing so again.

For anyone who appreciates the nuances and amusement of language, this work is a treasure, exploring the etymology of phrases in the English language. Some known, some proffered and some merely fanciful. I have owned this work since the 1970's, bought another to have at a vacation venue for my merriment.