I submitted my review of this book to Teach Secondary magazine, an educational magazine in the UK. The first review below is what the magazine published. The second one is what I actually wrote! In substantive terms there is little difference between the two, but you may find it interesting to see what the editor altered.
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Published review
Mr Crystal has produced another richly fascinating book, this time focusing on the language we associate with different seasons. Much more than a mere dictionary of word meanings and idioms, it contains a wealth of information about how the meanings of 'seasonal' words and expressions have changed over time. Lavishly illustrated, with beautiful engravings by Eric Ravilious, it includes a number of explanatory excerpts from novels, reports and poems to help unpack the sometimes surprisingly dense meanings behind such common terms as 'season tickets', 'Easter eggs' and even 'mince pies'. Whether you're searching for coursework inspiration, ideas for a cross- curricular project or just a snippet of info to help enliven a class discussion, A Word for All Seasons won't disappoint.
Reviewed by Terry Freedman
My original review
A Word For All Seasons
(Crystal, Bodleian, £20)
Mr Crystal has done it again: written a fascinating and very rich book, this time of words associated with the seasons. Much more than a dictionary of word meanings or of idioms, it includes information about how the meaning of the word or expression has changed over time. Furthermore, it is lavishly illustrated in two respects. Firstly, through the beautiful engravings by Eric Ravilious, and secondly the inclusion of excerpts from novels, reports and poems. Season tickets, Easter eggs and even mince pies are just a few of the common terms covered.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for some course work, a cross-curricular project, or simply a snippet of information to enliven a subject, A Word for all Seasons won’t disappoint. In some respects it reminds me of A Date With Language (TS13.4) even though it’s quite different.
