Words In Time

The word "blurb" derives from a "pulchritudinous young lady" of that fictional name who appeared on a book-cover at the turn of the century. Quarrying the "Oxford English Dictionary" for its evidence, this book traces the extraordinary way in which English words have changed their meanings. The transformation of words over time The English language has evolved with history, and vocabulary changes have coincided with historic changes. Words in Time: A Social History of English Vocabulary traces how the meanings of English words have changed along with social transformations. The book lets you follow words that represented eras in British history, the emergence of capitalism, and the evolution of democracy. See examples of how printing and mass media have generated changes in language at a remarkable rate, as well as how words are used to advance political propaganda.