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The Browser's dictionary of foreign words and phrases
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From Library Journal
Directed at the everyday speaker of American English, this dictionary aims to define English words with foreign sources surely a daunting task, since many English words have come from other languages. Varchaver and Moore (coauthors of The Dictionary of the Performing Arts) tried to limit the number of entries by including only those recently adopted, but as a result the word choice seems arbitrary. Entries include pronunciation, definition, and often a sample sentence to illustrate use. However, only about a quarter of the words have sample sentences, and many of the less familiar words were not among them. In addition, many of the samples are quite generic, and some include a citation noting the source, which seems unnecessary since this is not an academic book. This work may be of interest to the "browser" of the title and of limited assistance to someone seeking a simple etymology, but the serious scholar or lover of the language will find it lightweight. Manya Chylinski, Ernst & Young Ctr., for Business Knowledge, Boston Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A tour de force of exotica sure to interest the word-conscious epicure. Bon appétit!" --Jeffrey Kacirk, author of The Word Museum and Forgotten English
"Kudos (Greek), encomiums (Latin), and accolades (French) to the authors for their enlightening and amusing lexicon, a testament that English is the most cheerfully democratic and hospitable language ever cobbled together." --Richard Lederer, author of The Miracle of Language
08/05/2010
Exceptional aid for Kindle
After loading "Browser's Dictionary" on my Kindle, I discovered a simple way to learn the meaning of an unfamiliar foreign word or phrase I've come across in my Kindle reading. I type the term on my Kindle which opens the Search Line, then move the cursor over to "my items" and select. "Browser's Dictionary" inevitably comes up as a choice which, when selected, gives me the definition. If you want to know what the author is saying, even in a foreign language, the "Browser's Dictionary" is yet another reason to love the utility of a Kindle.
20/06/2008
NEEDS TABLE OF CONTENTS
This is an excellent reference for many unfamiliar words and phrases used in the English language, but an alphabetical table of contents or appendix would be helpful in locating them.
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