Words and Values: Some Leading Words and Where They Lead Us - Softcover

A brilliant and desperately needed book. * The New York Times * A marvel. * Baltimore Sun * A valentine for word lovers, this informed and witty study of language...explains why and how words can lead us astray in every aspect of life from affairs of the heart to affairs of state. * Los Angeles Times * Rosenthal offers reasoned arguments in support of her...opinions and does much to open our eyes to the sea of cant in which we swim. * The Boston Globe * The book is original and stimulating, contains informative notes, and is recommended for all academic libraries. * CHOICE * By tracing how the meanings of familiar words such as 'self,' 'potential,' and 'values' have changed, Peggy Rosenthal illuminates the dramatic cultural transformation that has occurred over the last half-century and offers insights into the social problems that have accompanied it. The result is a uniquely rewarding reading experience not only for social historians and students of language, but for all who seek to understand contemporary life and times. -- Vincent Ryan Ruggiero, author of Making Your Mind Matter Semantics with a sting...A deft performance. * Kirkus *

This book is a collection of biographical sketches of some of the leading figures of our time, though the figures aren't people but configurations of words. Proposing that such words constitute an active force that can lead us into certain attitudes and behavior with realizing it, Rosenthal shows how our leading language acquired such power and suggests ways to escape its control.