The Superior Person's Book of Words

No not really a Codger, but someone who has volumes 1 to 3 in the 'Superior Person's book of words' series.
All of them contain words that are lost to us as the standard dictionary use's only the most popular 200,000 words or so.
'Kakistocracy' e.g. Government by the worst citizens! A word NEVER used to describe the British Government, full of ministers claiming the most personnel expense's, changing planning laws to suit their own areas or taking back-hander's for favour's!
A good read, with a good drink, tucked up in bed!
Try as an additional book 'The endangered English Dictionary' by David Grambs ISBN 0-393-03623-5 and add to your arsenal of words to astound and amaze your friends and colleges.

Peter Bowler is hilarious. As a confirmed logophile, I always laugh out loud when reading this and the subsequent books. The drawings are droll and perfect, illustrating with black humor.
And I DO use these words to confound, confront and confuse my public!
Buy this book and enjoy in private -- those viewing you crying with laughter may be tempted to put you in an oubliette!
AMS

Hoooooo weee, this here book sure is full of words--most of 'em nobody's never heard tell of. If you want to be highfalutin' and/or want to put on some airs, run right out and buy this darn thing.

You'll notice most of the other reviewers are showing how dang funny they are by usin' as many words from this book as they can fit in. See how gall-darned smart they look? You can have people you don't know thinkin' yer smart too. If'n you buy this here book, that is.

Just imagine that you are ringing up customers at Wal Mart and you could say something like "wow, four gallons of milk...you must have quite the galactophage on your hands" the customer will just stare at you, but you can bet it'll crack 'em up in the break room! Or when someone comes through your line buying both cookies and diet Coke you might say "I may need to get a price check on antipodes" What a knee-slapper!

If you can read, this book is fairly easy to get through--and if you can remember what you read you will have the ability to make anyone at any tractor pull, demolition derby or NASCAR race scratch their giant hat-holder and look like a real dolt in comparison. . After all, fun at other people's expense is the best kind of fun you can have.

I have enjoyed and used this book for many years. It is a marvellous source of strange, bizarre, obsolete and very useful words. The word 'facinorous' is probably one of the most useful - especially for describing modern right wing politicians and CEOs.

This book is not jejune in any way. Peter Bowler is one Australia's finest sons!

I was thrilled when I found this book. I have enjoyed it immensely.

However, when learning new words to try out on friends, it strikes me that I'd like to be sure I'm pronouncing them correctly. Nothing like using a fabulous new word, only to mispronounce it. Peter, if you are out there - I'm faithfully awaiting a revision that includes the phonetic pronunciation of each word. Cheers!