Words and Ideas

Unlike most etymology textbooks, this one presents the words studied in the context of the ideas in which the words functioned. Instead of studying endless lists of word roots, suffixes, and prefixes in isolation, the words are enlivened by the social, literary, and cultural media in which they were used. Readers are introduced to a wide variety of topics from classical antiquity, entertained by clever cartoons, and are able to practice their word knowledge with exercises.

Special Features

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An etymology textbook that also introduces students to a wide variety of topics in classical antiquity

Chapters on Mythology, Medicine, Politics and Law, Commerce and Economics, Philosophy and Psychology, History

Introduction to word building
Exercises throughout
Illustrations of ancient artifacts
Clever cartoons on word origins
Glossary of English words and phrases