Putnam's Word Book   By: Louis A. Flemming

Putnam's Word Book by Louis A. Flemming is a comprehensive reference guide that strives to be the ultimate companion for individuals seeking to expand their vocabulary and enhance their communication skills.

The book is divided into numerous sections, each meticulously arranged in alphabetical order for easy navigation. It covers an extensive range of words, from the most commonly used to the more obscure, ensuring that readers have ample sources of inspiration when searching for the right word to express their thoughts.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Putnam's Word Book is its inclusion of synonyms and antonyms for each entry. This feature helps readers explore alternative words and connotations, enabling them to fine-tune their expressions and achieve a more precise communication. Additionally, the book provides detailed definitions, etymologies, and example sentences, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of each word's usage and context.

Moreover, Putnam's Word Book includes a section dedicated to commonly misspelled words, helping readers rectify common spelling errors and avoid embarrassing mistakes. Another useful feature is the extensive list of foreign words and phrases that are frequently used in English, providing readers with a broader understanding of linguistic diversity.

A standout quality of this book is its user-friendly design. The layout is clean, with clear typography and effective use of white space, making it easy to read and navigate. The cross-referencing system within the book allows readers to delve deeper into related words and expand their knowledge even further.

While Putnam's Word Book is undoubtedly an impressive resource, it may not suit everyone's preferences. The book focuses primarily on vocabulary and lacks in-depth discussions on grammar or syntax. Additionally, some readers may find the exhaustive breadth of entries overwhelming, especially those who are searching for a more concise reference.

In conclusion, Putnam's Word Book by Louis A. Flemming is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to enrich their vocabulary and elevate their communication skills. Its comprehensive coverage, including synonyms, antonyms, definitions, etymologies, and example sentences, ensures readers have a wealth of information at their fingertips. While it may not be the ideal reference for those seeking extensive discussions on grammar, it excels in expanding lexical knowledge. Whether you're a student, writer, or simply someone looking to enhance your linguistic abilities, this book is a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

First Page:

The purpose of this book, as conceived by the author, is not to attempt to create or to influence usage by pointing out which words should or should not be used, nor to explain the meaning of terms, but simply to provide in a form convenient for reference and study the words that can be used, leaving it to those who consult its pages to determine for themselves, with the aid of a dictionary if necessary, which words supply the information they are looking for or express most accurately the thoughts in their minds. The questions, therefore, that were constantly in the author's mind while he was preparing the manuscript were not, is this word used? nor should it be used? but is it a word that some one may want to know as a matter of information or to use in giving expression to some thought? When the word in question seemed to be one that would be of service it was given a place in the collection to which it belongs. Believing the book would be consulted by students and workers in special fields, the author incorporated into it many words, including some technical terms, that might, in the case of a work of more restricted usefulness, have been omitted... Continue reading book >>