From Library Journal
This dictionary is based on a great concept to explain foreign words and phrases that have found their way into our language but, with only about 4000 entries, it more often frustrates. The vast majority of the words listed here come from French and Latin (not surprisingly, since 40 percent of English is derived from French, often through Latin). And though some 60 languages are represented, it is often with only a handful of words. Do we really have only one or two words from Aramaic, Basque, Czech, Egyptian, Finnish, and Polish and only 15 from all the Scandinavian languages? Why include "blond," "bra," "bulletin," "cot," "dessert," "dollar," "minor," "restaurant," and "sofa" as foreign words when there are thousands of others that would be more useful to define? Can we really accept that "margarine" and "menu" are foreign words when their meanings in the original language are entirely different? That said, Manser (The Hearthside Bible Dictionary) has included many music and food terms that could be useful, especially for readers who stick to French, Italian, Spanish, and Hindi. In addition, the Latin terms (many from jurisprudence) are particularly helpful. Each entry includes information on the original meaning and spelling of the word or phrase and an example of its use in English. Recommended for larger public libraries, at least until a more satisfying edition is published. Kitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
As the English language ceaselessly absorbs and assimilates more and more elements of other languages, Manser has reason to quote Emerson's observation that English is indeed "the sea which receives tributaries from every region under heaven." In this volume he presents more than 4,000 examples, from Abacus to Zombie. Information regarding grammar and usage accompanies each entry, and in many entries examples are included to lessen the possibility of misuse. Etymological information is provided as well. All of the entries are indexed, individually and by language, and variant spellings are cross-referenced.Manser's pronunciation system offers good approximations of foreign sounds. A two-page guide in the introduction is simple and readily understood, for example, Manser's pronunciation of mutatis mutandis: "myootahtas myootandas," with an underline indicating the accented syllable in the second word (that accent being dominant in the phrase) but no accent indicated in the other word, a practice consistent throughout. Many entries include variant pronunciations, but Latin words beginning with v are all represented with a vee sound, as in ad verbum, rendered as "ad verbam," following the ecclesiastical method, without acknowledging the acceptability of the classical pronunciation--which renders the first syllable of "verbum" as "wer." A small matter.Designed to meet the needs and expectations of a general readership, Manser's book should be a strong contender in its class. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"The American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson described the English language as "the sea which receives tributaries from every region under heaven." With more than 4,000 entries, this dictionary explains the meanings and origins of terms that have entered the English lexicon from foreign tongues." "Drawn from the fields of language and literature, religion, law, politics and economics, music, entertainment, and cuisine, entries include a definition of the word or phrase in English; language of origin; meaning in the original language; part of speech; pronunciation; and examples or quotations to illustrate usage." The dictionary features entries adopted from countless languages, including French (mise-en-scene), German (Sturm und Drang), Latin (quo vadis), Arabic (mujahideen), Russian (glasnost), Chinese (tao), Greek (hoi polloi), Turkish (kismet), Italian (lingua franca), and many others.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

This dictionary is based on a great concept to explain foreign words and phrases that have found their way into our language but, with only about 4000 entries, it more often frustrates. The vast majority of the words listed here come from French and Latin (not surprisingly, since 40 percent of English is derived from French, often through Latin). And though some 60 languages are represented, it is often with only a handful of words. Do we really have only one or two words from Aramaic, Basque, Czech, Egyptian, Finnish, and Polish and only 15 from all the Scandinavian languages? Why include "blond," "bra," "bulletin," "cot," "dessert," "dollar," "minor," "restaurant," and "sofa" as foreign words when there are thousands of others that would be more useful to define? Can we really accept that "margarine" and "menu" are foreign words when their meanings in the original language are entirely different? That said, Manser (The Hearthside Bible Dictionary) has included many music and food terms that could be useful, especially for readers who stick to French, Italian, Spanish, and Hindi. In addition, the Latin terms (many from jurisprudence) are particularly helpful. Each entry includes information on the original meaning and spelling of the word or phrase and an example of its use in English. Recommended for larger public libraries, at least until a more satisfying edition is published. Kitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Organization is one of the strong points of this resource containing 44 biographical essays. From Martha Washington to Laura Bush, each entry begins with important dates and a brief overview of the subject's life or impact while separate sections cover "Early Life," "Marriage and Family," "Presidency and First Ladyship," and "Legacy." These sections will allow for quick and easy access of facts and be useful for comparative studies. The engaging entries describe how each woman's personality shaped the role. Additionally, readers will learn how the issues of the period and changing expectations contributed to the evolution of this position. Boxed sidebars contain information about their husbands and anecdotes about each woman. An annotated list of suggested readings follows each article. Black-and-white photographs, drawings, and reproductions add interest. A valuable feature of this book is the inclusion of nine topical essays on aspects of the First Lady's role (as presidential partner, as campaigner, etc.), White House hostesses, and life in the White House. A list of the special interests of these individuals is included in the essay on "First Ladies and Policy Issues, Causes, or Charities." An extensive bibliography and a list of libraries, museums, historic sites, and Web sites are also provided. A useful tool for students researching these women.-Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX RESOURCE UPDATE Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews