(no subject)

[desertvixen]

 So, I am reading Nightingales by Gillian Gill.  It took a little to get into, but it's quite enjoyable, and I think the author does a good job of coming up with some possibilities that aren't specifically explained, but facts could back them up.  She also does a good job of informing you that they are HER opinions.

 One thing, however, that I'm finding is that some words are making me give the book an odd look. 

 1. Reference to one of the sisters being presented at Court as "making her COURTESY to the Queen".  Is this indeed a term used in that fashion - or should it probably be CURTSEY?

 2. Reference to two people having "concerted".  It's possible that "concert" can be used as a verb as well (I'm not the OED here), but it seems like it would have been better to say that they "acted in concert". 

 3. She is very fond of the word "amanuensis".  It's a word, I know, but it just seems a little pretentious.

Am I the only one who thinks Word needs a built-in word checker? 

 DV

Comments

[schonesleben.livejournal.com]

I really want to read that book. Let me know what you think of it when you're finished!

[commodorified.livejournal.com]

1) and 2) are both right. "Concerted" has a sort of mild implication of conspiracy.

And, I think I want to read this book, considering. :-)

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

If you'd like, I could bring it with me on leave, and you could mail it back to me when done.

DV

[commodorified.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes please!

[carbonelle.livejournal.com]

Whot commodorified said.

I would add that if Ms. Gill does that throughout the book--that is, uses the language of another time in places where one wouldn't very likely mistake the meaning (i.e. one can get if from context) to give more of the flavor of that other time, she's to be commended!

If not, well, that's what editors are supposed to be fore :-)