The Real McCoy and 149 other Eponyms

The English language is rich with eponyms – words that are named after an individual – some better known than others. The Real McCoy and 149 other Eponyms uncovers the intriguing tales of discovery, mythology, innovation, and infamy behind these everyday words. The book is a perfect addition to any wordsmith's bookshelf.

Encompassing eponyms from medicine, botany, invention, science, fashion, food, and literature, this book features 150 of the most interesting and enlightening specimens. It delves into the origins of the words and describes the fascinating people after whom they were named.

Eponyms are derived from numerous sources. Some are named in honour of a style icon, inventor, or explorer, such as pompadour, Kalashnikov, and Cadillac. Others have roots in Greek or Roman mythology, such as panic and tantalise. A number of eponyms, however, are far from celebratory and were created to indicate a rather less positive association – into this category can be filed boycott, Molotov cocktail, and sadist.

'Those who have a fascination with the origin of place names and interesting words will appreciate the excellent research and clean, clever writing skills on display in this little book. Each of the 150 eponymous words or phrases in the book has its own fascinating story, and each is well told by the author. This is perfect for a road trip or to keep on the bedside table.' - Manhattan Book Review