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libreroaming's review
4.0
A neat little book for the esoteric etymologist on the origin of many collective nouns. Each listing is slight, the longest one being no more than three pages, but goes more in depth in the history of the word origins and references than many other books, such as [b:A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Collective Nouns|32310981|A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Collective Nouns|Matt Sewell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476275786l/32310981._SX50_.jpg|52938875].
bookcrazylady45's review against another edition
3.0
I bought this book expecting it to be amusing and it was somewhat. It was also informative in unexpected ways and I learned quite a few oddments but the book was full of death. Casually accepted and noted in passing. Most of the collectives were assigned by hunters to their prey. All these beautiful animals were hunted for sport or for food in huge numbers. The book rings with human cruelty. Unintended I am sure because the information was only grace notes throughout the potted history of each collective noun. Another point about this particular book is...these are older descriptions from medieval times with more current ones added in places. Some have lasted through to this time but I will have to go looking for a more current collection
francescaastraea's review
4.0
Really interesting and informative, recommend to etymologists and animal lovers especially.
amalia1985's review
4.0
''Stand near woodland in early spring, after night has fallen and when the air is still, and if you're lucky, you'll hear the thrilling, trilling song of the nightingale.''
Few things can be more relaxing and soothing than the nightingales' song in the twilight. Those of us who live in the big cities where every sound of nature is drawn in a cacophony of cars and humans rarely get the chance to enjoy the chirping of Nature's greatest singers. Birds have always fascinated us. They embody tranquility and stealth and have attained something the human always seeks. The flight. So, there is no wondering why the majority of the collective nouns in the English Language refers to birds.
This little treasure of a book is a comprehensive guide to the collective nouns, tracing their origins back to scarcely recorded times and shows how historical and sociopolitical issues has always influenced our languages and our way of thinking. My favourites have always been ''A Murder of Crows'' and ''A Parliament of Owls.'' I mean, obviously....Nouns about people, professions, domestic and exotic animals in a book written in an effective, engaging and informative style without becoming boring like a textbook. This is perfect for teachers and students and for all of us who enjoy exploring the origins and influences of this magical thing we call ''Language''.
Few things can be more relaxing and soothing than the nightingales' song in the twilight. Those of us who live in the big cities where every sound of nature is drawn in a cacophony of cars and humans rarely get the chance to enjoy the chirping of Nature's greatest singers. Birds have always fascinated us. They embody tranquility and stealth and have attained something the human always seeks. The flight. So, there is no wondering why the majority of the collective nouns in the English Language refers to birds.
This little treasure of a book is a comprehensive guide to the collective nouns, tracing their origins back to scarcely recorded times and shows how historical and sociopolitical issues has always influenced our languages and our way of thinking. My favourites have always been ''A Murder of Crows'' and ''A Parliament of Owls.'' I mean, obviously....Nouns about people, professions, domestic and exotic animals in a book written in an effective, engaging and informative style without becoming boring like a textbook. This is perfect for teachers and students and for all of us who enjoy exploring the origins and influences of this magical thing we call ''Language''.
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