Overview
Why are geese in a gaggle? Are lions actually proud? And do crows deserve their murderous moniker?
Collective nouns are one of the most bizarre and baffling aspects of the English language, and this absorbing book tells the stories of these evocative phrases, exploring and explaining the etymology behind them. Each collective noun summons up the animal or event it describes. But where did they come from? 'A parliament of owls', for example, seems to have its origins in the 1950s children's classic The Chronicles of Narnia in which C.S. Lewis references a phrase from Chaucer, 'the parliament of fowls'. Lewis' version changed 'fowls' to 'owls' and due to the international success of his books it caught on and is now recognized as dictionary compilers as the 'correct' term for a group of owls.
Perfect for any history or language buff, this is an entertaining and fascinating look at many of the bizarre phrases which have stood the test of time.
This book title, A Parliament of Owls (A Book of Collective Nouns), ISBN: 9781789295955, by Chloe Rhodes, published by Michael O'Mara (September 24, 2024) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer A Parliament of Owls (A Book of Collective Nouns) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order A Parliament of Owls (A Book of Collective Nouns) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!