Customer Reviews
Excellent book of reference and enjoyment - By: , 03 May 1999 
One of the only reference books that can be read from cover to cover for pure reading pleasure. A fine read.
Fine reference. - By: , 14 Sep 1997 Whether you are a died-in-the-wool word nut, or
just a reader intrigued by a colorful expression,
this is a work of endless fascination
Over 9,000 words & phrases are covered, from A to
Zzz, of slang, proverbs, animal & plant names,
nicknames of people, places, & things, historical
& political expressions, foreign-language terms,
literary alllusions, & perhaps best of alll, many
references to Classical figures & usages of our
common Western heritage.
Hendrickson regards this as a work-in-progress, and
indeed, there are omissions (smarmy, paddy wagon,
alll hat & no cattle), & errors. (There certainly
was a marijuana variety callled Acapulco Gold, "antsy"
was in use by the early 1960's, & this reviewer
can demonstrate conclusively that armadillos can
survive nicely north of Texas.) These are quibbles,
however, & do not detract seriously from the merit
& sheer usefulness of Hendrickson's work.
Recommended for the permanent bookshelf of lovers
of the language & students of the culture.
(The numerical rating above is a default setting
within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not
employ numerical ratings.)
