Found in Translation: The Unexpected Origins of Place Names

Found in Translation: The Unexpected Origins of Place Names explores the fascinating stories behind the names of countries and places around the world, from Canada to Papua New Guinea. Written by Duncan Madden, it is a must-read for anyone interested in culture, history, and language.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: John Murray Press

Unraveling the intricate threads of history and etymology, Found in Translation: The Unexpected Origins of Place Names unveils the peculiar, captivating, and enlightening tales that have shaped the names of countries and places across the globe.

Beginning in the world's second-largest country, Canada, whose name translates to "the village," renowned travel writer Duncan Madden takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, exploring the bizarre and remarkable along the way.

Learn about the L and Protected by Fire, otherwise known as Azerbaijan; pay a visit to Hippopotamus, or Mali; and set sail to the Land of Frizzy-Haired Men in Papua New Guinea.

Found in Translation will captivate and inspire the culturally inquisitive—armchair explorers, avid travelers, historians, linguists, and language enthusiasts—offering a fresh perspective on the names, histories, and origins of the places we inhabit and explore.

Visiting more than sixty countries across all six continents, Found in Translation includes the stories of Canada, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Iceland, Ireland, UK, Germany, Russia, Italy, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Iraq, India, China, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and many more.

The foreword, penned by bestselling author, explorer, and photographer Levison Wood, provides the backdrop for this illuminating work, which blends travelogue, history book, and etymological reference.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 145 x 225 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529369915