Dictionary of Language Games Puzzles and Amusements

Throughout recorded history mankind has turned to language play as a source of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. This unique new reference provides comprehensive listings and explainations together with samples and historical information concerning the hundreds of letter and word games puzzles and linguistic entertainments that enrich our cultural life an introductory section the author discusses the various ways of manipulating words and letters and the relation of this pastime to literature linguistics education and humor. He comments on the use of word-play techniques in the teaching of language arts noting their demonstrated benefits in stimulating creativity and motivating the unwilling student. Turning to the literary uses of language play he talks about writers--from Shakespeare Dickens James Joyce and Gertrude Stein to the dadaists Edward Lear Ogden Nash and various contemporary literary artists--whose linguistic devices run the gamut from riddles acrostics cross-word puzzles and anagrams--are considered along with individual and group games intended to entertain teach skills or challenge the imagination or intellect.