The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language is a non-fiction book by English writer Mark Forsyth published in 2011.[1][2][3] The book presents the surprising origin of everyday words used in English, with each definition being thematically linked to the next to provide a flowing narrative unlike reference books on etymology. The content of the book was derived from the author's blog, The Inky Fool.[4]

The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language
AuthorMark Forsyth
PublisherIcon Books
Publication date
3 November 2011 (2011-11-03)
Pages288
ISBN9781848313071

The book was chosen and adapted in December 2011 by BBC Radio 4 for its Book of the Week series.[5] After being featured on the radio, the book became the 2011 Christmas best-seller in the UK.[1]


References

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  1. ^ a b Duerden, Nick (24 January 2012). "The Etymologicon: The little wonder that left its author lost for words". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  2. ^ Parris, Matthew (13 October 2011). "In a nutshell, it's a miracle wrapped in an enigma". The Times.
  3. ^ Copping, Jasper (23 October 2011). "Guide to idioms lets the cat out of the bag". The Sunday Telegraph.
  4. ^ Forsyth, Mark. "The Inky Fool". Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  5. ^ "Book of the Week: The Etymologicon (20 December 2011)". BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 28 July 2013.