I really like quirky books, and so something that’s described as “a circular stroll through the hidden connections of the English Language” is definitely going to appeal to me. But first, let’s talk about what the book is not:

• It’s not a history of the English language (though there’s lots of history in the book!)
• It’s not a reference for the origins of words (there isn’t an index at the back, neither is the book arranged in alphabetical order)

What this book is: an exploration of the origin of words and how two seemingly unrelated words are connected to one another. For example, the ancient Greek word boubalos was used for a type of African antelope. The word then evolved to buffalo and was applied to various kinds of domesticated oxen. As with all words, it gets shorted and the name was often shorted to “ubff”. Because European buffalo was often killed and skinned for leather, the leather was also called “buff” or “buffe leather”. This leather was good for polishing and that’s why we buff things till they shine. Things that are buffed look good, and that’s where we apply it to people who work out a lot. Buff leather is also very strong, and that’s what firefighters in New York wore. The firefighters were also very popular and developed fans, who were called “buffs” after the leather and that’s how we get “film buff”, “music buff” and other types of buff where buff = fan. And I haven’t even gotten to the other words derived from “buffalo”!

In this manner, Forsyth takes us through various words, tracing their history and revealing their relatives. The book is written in a humourous, light-hearted manner, which was pretty obvious once you read the preface where it is claimed that the book came about because Forsyth was annoying strangers with the etymology of words, and because his friends and family wanted to do something but “secure psychiatric care was beyond their means, they turned in despair to the publishing industry, which has a long history of picking up where social work leaves off.” If you found that funny, you’ll probably like the style of the book.

I had fun with this book! It’s a very light-hearted and informal way to learn more about the English language, and I can see this appealing to those who enjoy history and/or words in general.