In Other Words

In Other Words – A language lover’s guide to the most useful and intriguing words from around the world.

By C.J Moore, $24.95, pp 127

From time to time a beautiful book is produced that looks good, feels good in your hands and is a joy to read – In Other Words is one of these.

It takes unusual words from each of the world’s language groups, and explains their meaning. Such as “esprit de l’escalier”, a French idiom translated as the comment you think of upstairs, that you should have made in the drawing room. And the German “weltschmerz” – mildly, world-weary but also means “... an existential pain that leaves you reeling with a damaging head-clutching despair ...”

This special book can just about be read in one sitting and has tasteful illustrations to go with the words.

In Other Words will be of interest if you love language or words in general.

– Lt Simone Heyer