Wit, Style & Substance: Words for Quipsters and Hipsters

If you enjoy the unusual sense and use of words, and if wit is a hit (sans stick), then this is the book for you. Herein lays a plethora of useful words as well as many associated and unusual quotes taken from the world stage and across time. The author also has included a useful feature in the form of a cross-reference index and bio for each quoted person. So you can start with a chosen word, or you can begin with your choice of author if you wish, or with the first page of the book for that matter. All in all a good value that will entertain your inner wordsmith for many hours.

Unique take on what is otherwise a dull read, the dictionary. Hohn adds quips to each definition that are sometimes factual and sometimes funny. Makes the study of words interesting and enjoyable.

Bill Hohn has spent decades collecting word and quotes and has put them together in this work that is half dictionary and half book of quotes. The words are uncommon but not obscure, so words that augment a sentence's meaning with nuance rather than obfuscate it.The structure is an alphabetical list of words, with a simple definition, and a quote exemplifying a memorable usage of it. To pick a random example:"evolution (*pronunciation guide*) n. A process in which something passes by degrees to a different, esp. more advanced, stage: The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings. (Albert Schweitzer)."The above is formatted so that the various components jump out more easily than they do above.Hohn is obviously a very widely read person and has found over 3,200 words embedded in quotes from over 1,300 individuals. It is eclectic and entertaining at once.After the dictionary and quotes, he has an "index of the quoted authors and their words" which give the authors in alphabetical order by their last names, a brief bio, and where to find their quote(s).For example, the above definition/quote is referenced under Schweitzer as follows:"Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965): evolution, impartFrench-German theologian, organist, philosopher, and physician, and 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner."It's a neat idea and works well. I've only had it a few days and so far I've mostly dipped in at random to go on little journeys of discovery. However, I am seeing how it could be used as a reference book, especially for brainstorming or exploratory type work since the book does not intend to be exhaustive.Indeed, the author quotes Godfrey Smith in the introduction, applying Smith's words from "The English Companion" to his own efforts:"It makes no pretensions to original thought, academic distinction, comprehensive sweep. Indeed, not to put too fine a point on it, it is subjective, idiosyncratic, and, some would say, perversely capricious."