The Highly Selective Dictionary for the Extraordinarily Literate

By Eugene Ehrlich

Book Overview

Between TV talk shows, radio call-in programs, email and the Internet, spontaneous-talk media has skyrocketed in the '90s. People are interacting more frequently and more fervently than ever before, turning the English language into an indecipherable mess. Now, this unique and concise compendium presents the most confused and misused words in the language today -- words misused by careless speakers and writers everywhere. It defines, discerns and distinguishes the finer points of sense and meaning. Was it fortuitous or only fortunate? Are you trying to remember, or more fully recollect? Is he uninterested or disinterested? Is it healthful or healthy, regretful or regrettable, notorious or infamous? The answers to these and many more fascinating etymological questions can be found within the pages of this invaluable (or is it valuable?) reference.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062701908
• ISBN13: 9780062701909
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: Collins Reference
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.9" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Lots of useful words, clearly laid out

This is my favorite book from an order of 5, all reference/dictionary. Everything is laid out clearly. I went through a whole pack of sticker flags marking the most useful and interesting words, and words that I thought I understood but actually didn't (until reading this book). The introduction is orotund. When I imagine it being spoken, it's with frequent interruptions by the speaker huffing his own farts. But I respect his goal of preserving the value of words, and that he taught me the word "orotund."

Finally a dictionary that defines

Tired of the pop-constructed meanings, and destructions of perfectly good words?Buy this book. Selectively, of course."The Highly Selective Dictionary for the Extraordinarily Literate" is not meant for the weak of word, but for we verbal victims, taunted and teased by the definition of the week.The Oprah Book Club crowd, with its PC looks at all things merging will not buy this. You will. You'll read it. Enjoy the way you enjoy Scrabble and the OED.I fully recommend "The Highly Selective Dictionary for the Extraordinarily Literate."Anthony Trendl

Refine Your Vocabulary

This dictionary is not as elitist or highbrow as the title implies. Although it does contain the occasional arcane or rare word (when was the last time you deracinated a gudgeon?), the vast majority of the words are actually in use. Its two great strengths are that, unlike similar collections, it gives a pronunciation guide and it very usefully instructs the reader in distinguishing between words that are commonly confused, e.g., founder and flounder. Therefore, whether you like to peruse the lexicon to be instructed, amused or amazed or want to improve your reading and writing skills for school or work, this book is a welcome addition to your collection.

A very interesting book.

This book is quite interesting. It's a most interesting dictionary, filled with words that you couldn't find in most dictionaries. I don't agree with many of their selections that are for the 'highly literate' (if you don't know 'regretful and regimen' you might want to start with the regular dictionary) but many of the words are good (defenestartion, quidnunc, etc.). This is the best way to insult people that I have ever found. I'm not sure I would buy this for myself, but it makes a good gift. I sure enjoyed getting it as a gift, but I'm sure you would enjoy it just buying it for yourself. Enjoy!