The Etymologicon, Mark ForsythTheres always an extra connection, another link that joins two words that most of mankind quite blithely believe to be separate. Erudite, discursive and highly entertaining, Forsyths book pursues the etymological pathways from ancient languages and through the twists and (often ribald) turns of English, demonstrating how testicles are linked to testaments and parentheses to codpieces; how the Vikings Sedge Stream relates to Starbucks; and how the

stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization

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but he also reveals the ups and downs of his marriage -- entered into too quickly and far too young -- and discusses his intensely emotional reaction to visiting New York after the September 11th terrorist attacks

Whether he's discussing the incandescent effect of The Qu'ran

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her sense of humor

But under this false lies a country still haunted by its years of terror

The only constant is the power wielded by one woman

The course of true love never did run smooth

Simultaneously a "spy" for his own government and a cultural ambassador for countless foreigners and fellow countrymen

Cardiff in the 1980's is a place where maths can get you noticed

and successful leader