Around The World In 80 Words

What makes a place so memorable that it survives forever in a word? In this captivating round-the-world tour, Paul Anthony Jones acts as your guide through the intriguing stories of how eighty places became immortalized in the English language. You’ll discover why the origins of turkeys, limericks, Brazil nuts, and Panama hats aren’t quite as straightforward as you might presume. If you’ve never heard of the tiny Czech mining town of Jáchymov—or Joachimsthal, as it was known until the late 1800s—you’re not alone, which makes its claim to fame as the origin of the word “dollar” all the more extraordinary. The story of how the Great Dane isn’t all that Danish makes the list, as does the Jordanian mountain whose name has become a byword for a tantalizing glimpse. We’ll also find out what the Philippines has given to your office inbox, what Alaska has given to your liquor cabinet, and how a speech given by a bumbling North Carolinian gave us a word for impenetrable nonsense. Surprising, entertaining, and illuminating, this is essential reading for armchair travelers and word nerds. Our dictionaries are full of hidden histories, tales, and adventures from all over the world—if you know where to look.

“A fabulous and erudite survey of words inspired by place names . . . Logophiles will have a ball.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) What makes a place so memorable that it survives forever in a word? In this captivating round-the-world tour, Paul Anthony Jones is your guide through the intriguing stories of how eighty places became immortalized in the English language. You’ll discover why the origins of turkeys, limericks, Brazil nuts, and Panama hats aren’t quite as straightforward as you might presume. If you’ve never heard of the tiny Czech mining town of Ja ́chymov—or Joachimsthal, as it was known until the late 1800s—you’re not alone, which makes its claim to fame as the origin of the word “dollar” all the more extraordinary. The story of how the Great Dane isn’t all that Danish makes the list, as does the Jordanian mountain whose name has become a byword for a tantalizing glimpse. We’ll also find out what the Philippines has given to your office inbox, what Alaska has given to your liquor cabinet, and how a speech given by a bumbling North Carolinian gave us a word for impenetrable nonsense. Surprising, entertaining, and illuminating, this is essential reading for armchair travelers and word nerds. Our dictionaries are full of hidden histories, tales, and adventures from all over the world—if you know where to look. “Don’t skip the footnotes, which are like delicious side dishes.” —Times Literary Supplement

A fascinating and engaging picture book exploring 80 exciting ways to travel, both past and present - from the obvious, to the crazy! Travel around the world by yacht, tram, train, unicycle, jetpack, camel... any way you can imagine, in this non-fiction children's book. Every mode of transport is part of a charming scene. See how astronauts travel around space, watch surfers ride the waves at the beach, and race to an emergency with the firefighters. Illustrator Katy Halford's beautiful drawings brings the scenes to life and fun complementary facts will prompt discussion and laughter between readers. How would you choose to travel? Donkey, pedalo, moon buggy? From the small to the big, the familiar to obscure, take your pick from the amazing 80 shown in DK's Around the Way in 80 Ways!

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne is a timeless adventure novel that has captivated readers for over a century. Published in 1873, this literary masterpiece follows the journey of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy Englishman who embarks on a daring wager to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Accompanied by his loyal servant Passepartout, Fogg sets off on a thrilling expedition that takes them across continents, encountering a myriad of challenges and obstacles along the way. Verne's novel is not only a thrilling adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as determination, perseverance, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Fogg's unwavering determination to win the wager showcases the power of human will and the lengths one can go to achieve their goals. Throughout the novel, Fogg's character evolves, challenging societal norms and defying expectations, ultimately questioning the rigidity of tradition and embracing the possibilities of the modern world. The novel's vivid descriptions transport readers to various locations around the globe, from the bustling streets of London to the exotic landscapes of India and the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean. Verne's meticulous attention to detail and extensive research lend an air of authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and cultures of the different countries Fogg and Passepartout encounter. Moreover, Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days has had a profound impact on popular culture. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous adaptations in literature, film, and theater. From stage plays to Hollywood blockbusters, the story of Phileas Fogg's audacious journey has been reimagined and retold in various forms, captivating audiences across generations. In conclusion, Around the World in Eighty Days is a captivating adventure novel that continues to enthrall readers with its thrilling narrative, richly developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. Jules Verne's masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail make this novel a timeless classic. Whether you're a fan of adventure, exploration, or simply enjoy a well-crafted tale, this book is sure to transport you on an unforgettable journey around the world.

The only foreign language phrase book you need for international travel. Light, portable, and easy to use, it contains basic words and phrases that break the language barrier anywhere you go in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Pacific Rim Nations, with up-to-date sections on Russian and Serbian/Croatian languages.

WINNER OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER AWARD FOR BEST TRAVEL BOOK SHORTLISTED FOR THE STANFORD DOLMAN TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 'Monisha Rajesh has chosen one of the best ways of seeing the world. Never too fast, never too slow, her journey does what trains do best. Getting to the heart of things. Prepare for a very fine ride' Michael Palin From the cloud-skimming heights of Tibet's Qinghai railway to silk-sheeted splendour on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Around the World in 80 Trains is a celebration of the glory of train travel and a witty and irreverent look at the world. Packing up her rucksack – and her fiancé, Jem – Monisha Rajesh embarks on an unforgettable adventure that takes her from London's St Pancras station to the vast expanses of Russia and Mongolia, North Korea, Canada, Kazakhstan, and beyond. The journey is one of constant movement and mayhem, as the pair strike up friendships and swap stories with the hilarious, irksome and ultimately endearing travellers they meet on board, all while taking in some of the earth's most breathtaking views.