"The Encyclopedia of Surnames" is not just another dictionary! With entertaining coverage of more than 7,000 surnames listed alphabetically, it provides a complete and accessible companion to tracing the history of names. Written by John Ayto, a respected lexicographer and author of titles such as "Word Origins", "The Encyclopedia of Surnames" is the ideal gift or research tool for historians, journalists, genealogists, researchers and anyone interested in tracing their family history. Broad coverage includes supplementary features on famous surnames, surnames of fictional characters, pseudonyms and names from abroad which are popular in the UK, including Celtic names.
Promotion info
A broader coverage than other comparable books on the marketPanel features and supplements make this book appealing to the lay reader as well as academicsMore and more people are becoming interested in tracing their family origins. Family Tree Magazine, published by AB, sells more than 40,000 copies a month.A useful reference for historians, journalists, genealogists and researchersIdeal gift for anybody interested in tracing their family origins
Reviews
'An excellent research companion, the book's also an addictive read.' Family History Monthly (Jan 2008) 'This is an interesting, varied collection, and as a bonus Ayto includes notes on famous bearers of many of the names and interesting facts about them - a welcome addition. A book you could spend hours poring over.' Family History Monthly (Autumn 2007) "This book provides an accessible companion to tracing the history of names and is the ideal research tool for anyone interested in tracing their family history" Mid-West Times (March 2008)
Author description
John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles including Word Origins. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.