by Robert Beard (Author)
This book explores what is beautiful in English words by looking closely at the 100 loveliest of them selected by Dr. Robert Beard, formerly Dr. Language at yourDictionary.com and currently Dr. Goodword at alphaDictionary.com. The book begins with an essay on what makes words beautiful and a background essay on the relationships between European and Indian languages. This is followed by essays that examine the pronunciation, meaning, usage, and history of words like cynosure, desultory, ephemeral, gambol, petrichor, serendipity, and Susquehanna. Each word is accompanied by creative examples featuring Beard's regular cast of characters, including Natalie Cladd, Maude Lynn Dresser, Gilda Lilly and the twins, Rita and Rhoda Book.