Interesting Stories about Curious Words (From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings) - Susie Dent

Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown''s Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?What''s the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE''S LEG?Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?And, what''s so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT? ''Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent'' Gyles Brandreth