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The Play of Words: Fun & Games for Language Lovers

The Play of Words: Fun & Games for Language Lovers

$5.99 USD
$5.99 USD
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Condition: Very Good

Condition Notes: Contains minor shelf wear. Pages are clean and in good shape. Binding is tight .

Author(s): Richard Lederer

Print: 10th

Publication year: 1991

Publication date: 1991-09-01
Pages: 294
Binding: Paperback

Language: English

Publisher: Gallery Books

ISBN: 9780671689094
Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.0 x 8.5 in

Learn the origins of popular phrases in the English language through this exciting book of games perfect for language lovers.

Do you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture, between BY AND LARGE and sailing, between GET YOUR GOAT and horses, or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business?

You probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM, SMART AS A WHIP, PLEASED AS PUNCH, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL—but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy, a whip smart, punch pleased, and a doornail dead?

Through the fifty games included in The Play of Words you'll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.

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Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Is

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.