This witty and accessible compendium reveals the obscure origins of over
500 common phrases, dispelling myths and offering plenty of fascinating
facts to delight the trivia-holic in all of us.
Who Said That First? The Curious Origins of Common Words and Phrases by Max Cryer
Who first wrote 'absence makes the heart grow fonder', 'accidentally on purpose' or 'no pain, no gain?' Did you know that there is no evidence Queen Victoria said 'We are not amused' or Marie Antoinette proclaimed 'Let them eat cake', but 'iron curtain' was in use for 40 years before Winston Churchill said it, and we have P.G. Wodehouse to thank for 'straight from the horse's mouth'?
About the Author
Max Cryer is an established authority on the English language, whose books have been sold around the world. He hosts a weekly radio slot on quirks of the English language.
26 May
Ben Schott born London 1974. The son of a neurologist and a nurse achieved a double First from Cambridge. Schott's Almanac was first published in 2005 and is now a bestselling reference book published annually. Discover Schott's Almanac
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