Thereby Hangs a Tale - Stories of Curious Word Origins

In this review of Thereby Hangs a Tale, Charles Earle Funk Litt.D. presents a lively collection for readers who enjoy the hidden histories behind everyday language. The book is best for those who like short, entertaining explanations that connect modern English to older sources; the single biggest reason to buy is its readable presentation of etymologies that blend scholarship with humor. The tone is approachable rather than academic, making it useful for casual readers, writers, and anyone curious about why familiar phrases sound the way they do.

Key Features

• Collected over decades: Material accumulated across about thirty years gives the book depth and a sense of long-term curation.
• Readable etymologies: Explanations trace words back to Old English, Old French, Latin, and Greek while staying accessible to non-specialists.
• Humorous presentation: The author uses light humor to make idioms and phrase histories entertaining rather than dry.
• Editorial experience: Funks background in the Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary adds editorial authority to the entries.
• Wide appeal: Short, self-contained items make the book convenient for dipping into and sharing with others.

Who It's For

This book suits readers who enjoy language history without needing dense academic prose; those who like to learn the origins of idioms, common words, and phrases will find many satisfying explanations. It also works well as a gift for writers, teachers, or curious teens who benefit from short, engaging anecdotes rather than textbook chapters.

Readers seeking a comprehensive, citation-heavy academic treatise should look elsewhere, as the text prioritizes readable storytelling over exhaustive scholarly apparatus. If you need the latest lexicographic research or long bibliographies, a modern academic volume will be more appropriate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging, often humorous tone makes etymology approachable and fun to read.
• Well curated material from decades of collecting gives the entries variety and depth.
• Author's editorial background lends credibility to the selections and explanations.

Cons

• Not a strictly academic work, so it lacks exhaustive citations and might feel light to specialists.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Thereby Hangs a Tale is a rewarding pick for anyone who enjoys light, well-edited etymological reading that entertains as it informs. Its approachable voice and curated entries make it good value for casual readers, writers, and those who like bedside or coffee-table language reading without academic heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book scholarly or accessible?
Answer. The book is written for accessibility, offering readable etymologies rather than dense scholarly apparatus.

Who wrote this book and why trust it?
Answer. Charles Earle Funk Litt.D. compiled material over decades and worked in the editorial department of a major reference dictionary, which supports the book's credibility.

Is it suitable for young readers?
Answer. Yes; its short, humorous entries make it mentally stimulating and enjoyable for both younger and older readers.