80,000+ Books in-stock in NZ πŸ“š

Happy Sunday! In-stock orders will ship tomorrow πŸš€

Red Herrings And White Elephants

The Origins of the Phrases We Use Every Day
3.69 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 621 ratings, 68 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Red Herrings and White Elephants by Albert Jack delves into the fascinating origins of popular sayings and phrases in the English language. Through a mix of historical anecdotes and entertaining stories, the book explores linguistic curiosities and uncovers the often surprising roots of expressions we use every day. It's an enlightening journey into the quirks and twists of language.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$3299
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the quirky origins of popular expressions and idioms. It delves into the stories behind these phrases, revealing the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the way we speak today. Ideal for word lovers and trivia enthusiasts, it offers a captivating journey into the colourful world of language.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A fascinating guide to the fascinating history and charming quirks of the English language.

A fascinating guide to the fascinating history and charming quirks of the English language.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Have you ever wondered what phrases such as 'square meal', 'load of old codswallop', 'egg on your face' or 'in the limelight' really mean? The English language is littered with expressions like these which we all use every day, but never stop to wonder where they came from.

Red Herrings and White Elephants delves deep into the fabric of English phraseology and, in doing so, explores the wide-ranging factors and fascinating linguistic history which continue to inform the way we speak to this day. In this journey through the richest regions of the English language, the origins of hundreds of common phrases are brought to light, and the incredible history behind the words we use every day is revealed.

From the drop of a hat to the bitter endβ€”you'll be surprised and intrigued, and you'll never speak English in the same way again.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Red Herrings and White Elephants by Albert Jack offers an entertaining dive into the origins of well-known phrases and idioms, capturing readers with its witty storytelling. Reviews often highlight its ability to educate while amusing, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in the quirks of the English language. Readers appreciate the vivid explanations and engaging writing style, which bring each phrase's history to life.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789465624

Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 October 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: John Blake Publishing Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 205.0mm

Weight: 346g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Albert Jack is a writer and researcher in pop culture whose favourite phrase is doolally'. He is 39 years old and has two children.

More from Education & Reference

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.