LEIGH FORBES: Books of all Sorts

29th April 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Voices Within: the history and science of how we talk to ourselves

The Voices Within: the history and science of how we talk to ourselves

by Charles Fernyhough. A compelling and fascinating look at the inner workings of our minds and the many conversations that go on there: from such everyday experiences as the inner voice, silent reading, and the writer’s muse, through to voice-hearing … Continue reading

15th April 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Riddle and the Knight: In search of Sir John Mandeville

The Riddle and the Knight: In search of Sir John Mandeville

by Giles Milton. I loved this book! I’ve previously read the author’s Nathaniel’s Nutmeg, so had a pretty good idea of what to expect from his writing, and he didn’t disappoint. The story of Sir John Mandeville’s book The Travels, … Continue reading

17th September 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Dr Johnson’s Dictionary: The Extraordinary Story Of The Book That Defined The World

Dr Johnson’s Dictionary: The Extraordinary Story Of The Book That Defined The World

by Henry Hitchings. This is a story of Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary – the first comprehensive dictionary of English, which was published in 1755. We start with a brief history of Johnson’s early life: his very modest upbringing in Litchfield; his education – and … Continue reading

24th May 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Surgeon of Crowthorne: a Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

The Surgeon of Crowthorne: a Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

by Simon Winchester. Simon Winchester introduces us to two of the most important characters in the making of the Oxford English Dictionary: the then editor, James Murray, and one of his most prolific volunteer contributors, a retired US army surgeon … Continue reading

15th May 2016
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Is That a Fish in Your Ear? The Amazing Adventure of Translation

Is That a Fish in Your Ear? The Amazing Adventure of Translation

by David Bellos. An interesting book looking at a wide range of translation-related topics, from the meaning of words, language, and the meaning of meaning itself, to simultaneous translation and the use of gesticulation – introducing many aspects of translation … Continue reading

21st April 2016
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Etymologicon

The Etymologicon

by Mark Forsyth. A lighthearted sprint through the etymology of a linked selection of words. I say sprint, because the end of each (very short) chapter leads you immediately on to the next, and it’s hard to put down. I … Continue reading