Kleins Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language
By E. Klein
* Publisher: Elsevier Publishing Company
* Number Of Pages: 870
* Publication Date: 1971-01-01
* ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0444409300
* ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780444409300
Product Description:
Although during the last sixty years philology has attained a high degree of development, looking at the literature available, Etymology appears only to have reached the level of philology at the turn of the century. This dictionary is the first major work of its kind in the 20th century, and as such, embodies the findings of modern philological scholarship. For example, full reference is made to Tocharian, the extinct language rediscovered at the end of the Nineteenth Century which often provides the key to the important transition form between the Old-Indian and the Indo-European group of languages to which English belongs. Several hundred words previously defined as being "of unknown etymology" are fully analyzed. The etymology of words of Semitic origin in the English language is given, the transliteration of Semitic words is based on a concept which renders exactly every consonant, vowel and diacritical sign. Hybrids are not only referred
Summary: Poor Binding and quality
Rating: 2
The content of this book is in line with other books of this type. I purchased this one because it, reportedly was of the highest quality...hence the price. What I received was a poorly bound book, with a cover that doesn't completely cover the book and glue that is already losing adherence. It appears the publisher is no longer making the high-quality binded version but is still charging the high quality price.
Summary: Does not deliver what it promises
Rating: 1
I bought Klein's Etymological dictionary because I wanted a detailed one able to assist me in writing and public speaking. Despite the claim of the writer that it is unabridged, I found it very much abridged. I checked more than a dozen words in it and it was very disapointing. Ordinary dictionaries that don't even claim to be etymological gave much better insight into historical and contextual meaning of words than Klein's. I regret buying the book. It is not worth more than one-fourth its price. Those who want a detailed etymological dictionary should check elsewhere.
Summary: Fine reference but a bit pricey...
Rating: 5
Dr. Klein's work is indeed the product of a real scholar and is a most useful etymology. The book is well-bound (signature-sewn) with a bonded-leather hardcover. The entries are incisive and many provide information not found in other such tomes.
However, I feel that the price is very, very steep compared to such top-rate etymologies as Chambers, etc.
The book is definitely worthwhile to own, if you can stretch your book-buying budget enough (mine cried "ouch", but I bought it anyway). Well, we are on this earth only once, I suppose. =)
Summary: The Finest English Language Etymological Dictionary
Rating: 5
About 30 years ago I visited the late Dr Klein at his Synagogue in Toronto where he translated some historical documents for me. I was very impressed by his ability to identify and interpret the nuances of meaning within the historical context, and also of his profound understanding of linguistics. Dr Klein possessed a quiet unassuming brilliance that shines through on every page of this dictionary. This Dictionary is an exhaustive and detailed etymology, with scholarship unrivalled in English. Consider Dr. Klein's potential competitors for best English language etymology: IMHO, they are Barnhardt's Etymology (aka the new Chalmers D of E), Onion's Oxford Etymology, Weekley's Concise and a number of engaging shorter etymologies by Room, Hendrickson, Ayto and Morris. Each of the competing etymologies approaches the task of creating a concise English language etymology from very different perspectives. So, as a consumer searching for the best work you should first consider what specific etymological requirements you have. (For example, the Barnhardt/Chalmers is unsurpassed with its treatment of American English. In contrast, the Onion Oxford extracts etymology from the OED and provides a chronology of development whereas Morris and Ayto provide considerably smaller though more approachable word list, etc). NOW, if you are wondering what makes KLEIN's etymology the best for all purposes, here's my take. First, consider Dr Klein's perspective. He states that he is dealing "with the origin of words and their sense development thus illustrating the history of civilization and culture". A lofty vision that Klein achieves with ease. Second, Klein's work exhibits the absolute highest level of scholarship and academic focus. Third, his dictionary provides a comprehensive history of the evolution of over 55,000 words, thereby making it the most exhaustive English language etymology available. Fourth, each word is fully developed from their root in the Proto-Indo European hypothetical language (or Tocharian, Semitic, and other sui genris sources) to current modern English usage. Fifth, to the best of my knowledge, Dr Klein's work is the only comprehensive etymology that analyzes common first names, biblical and mythological characters, angels, saints and demons, and place names. Finally, Klein's work also provides thousands of medical, legal and scientific terms, as well as all roots and stems used to create compound English words. Though this is an expensive book, the 7th impression (released in 2000) is beautifully and solidly bound, with legible though small type, and printed on high quality acid free paper. If you plan on buying only one etymology, then this is definitely the one to get - I haven't used any of my others since this arrived a couple months ago.
Summary: A 'must have' for anybody interested in the English Language
Rating: 5
Extremely well researched etymology, probably the best available still today. |
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