Anonyponymous

The book tells how certain things became named, such as "Pants." It's just chock full of fascinating information to make you the center of attention at parties and lounge gatherings!

Okay, I admit that I didn't expect to find much I didn't know already in this book. Egotism? Yes. Hubris? Apparently. Do *you* know where "tawdry" came from? or "silhouette"? or "paparazzi"? And that's just from me paging backwards from "t" to "p". The author's research is well done. And his delivery is quirky and fun. Instead of the academic, dry, and erudite but boring approach, Marciano tackles his entries with humor and a wonderfully idiomatic manner. A great little volume to have in the shelf, and a wonderful gift.

This is an excellent book for word geeks and history buffs alike. John Marciano's writing is engaging, witty, and irreverent, and pull you in as he takes you around the world and through history to introduce you to some of the people who have shaped our language. This is the kind of book you can either read front to back in a few sittings, or pick up and down constantly and pick through randomly, or use as a reference book. I highly recommend Anonyponymous as a Christmas gift to your favorite word maven, your second favorite word maven, and heck, your least favorite word maven. Oh, and for yourself.

The succinct and vivid biographies of "the forgotten people behind everyday words" are fascinating and surprising, and Marciano's illustrations are absolutely charming. For the first time in my life I will be able to give a meaningful Christmas present to all of my friends and family.

Not only are the stories entertaining, but the sketches are top notch. I did a little research, and this is the same author who illustrates (and writes) the Madeline books. Thanks NPR for broadcasting the interview!