A Parliament of Owls: A Book of Collective Nouns

Collective nouns are phrases that describe a group of animals or events, such as a parliament of owls or a gaggle of geese. This book explores the etymology behind these phrases and explains why they are used. It is perfect for history or language buffs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd

Collective nouns are a fascinating aspect of the English language, with each term conjuring up an image or event. But where did these evocative phrases come from? In this absorbing book, we delve into the etymology behind these evocative phrases, exploring and explaining their origins.

A parliament of owls, for instance, seems to have its roots in the 1950s children's classic The Chronicles of Narnia, where C.S. Lewis references a phrase from Chaucer, the parliament of fowls. Lewis's version changed fowls to owls, and due to the international success of his books, it caught on and is now recognized as the correct term for a group of owls by dictionary compilers.

This book is perfect for history and language buffs alike, offering an entertaining and fascinating look at many of the bizarre phrases that have stood the test of time. Whether you're curious about the origins of "gaggle" or "murderous moniker," this book provides insights into the rich linguistic history of our language.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 136 x 206 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789295955