This book is essentially a reference for those who love learning about the origins of words. Printed in 1918, it was written by an author who had a passion for historical topics (as can be seen from her other equally interesting books). Unfortunately, a print version of this book can be hard to come by; it is available in audio format from a number of stores as well being accessible in online format via Project Gutenberg.

Like I mentioned earlier, this book traces the possible origins of English names. The chapters are divided into the various sources of different names (e.g. names from places or ethnic groups). For this reason, the whole book is a kind of etymological discovery for anyone with a keen interest in the evolution of English words.

Despite the fact that this book serves (at least in my view) as more of a reference, the terminology of the author is accessible to different readers. A lot of books that dive into the finer details about the changes in English language over time (e.g. extra information about events like vowel shifts) and thus, can include a bit more jargon. Hardly surprisingly since these books are also catering more towards linguists. In this case, this one's probably aiming young adults. Nonetheless, older folks with an interest in language will find this appealing.

Bits that I really enjoyed? The possible origins of the word 'ogre' (linked to turbulent history of Eastern Europe) and the section about slang. Check out the history of the word 'swag', one that doesn't have such negative connotations anymore. Her stance about clipped words is interesting as well. She figured that most of those shortened forms would not be accepted as standard words. Well, that's somewhat accurate but … surely, some words like flu are more acceptable now?