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Wonderful Words That Tell a Tale by Tom Read Wilson
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Wonderful Words That Tell a Tale

An etymological exploration of over 100 everyday words

$16.79

Available for pre-order
December 05, 2024

Narrator Tom Read Wilson

This audiobook uses AI narration.

Weโ€™re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.

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Length 1 hour 40 minutes
Language English
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From famous wordsmith Tom Read Wilson comes another breathtaking adventure through the English language. Discover the fascinating origin stories behind the words we use in this delightful follow-up to Every Word Tells a Story.

Did you know, for example, that:


  • The word 'astronaut' means 'star sailor' in Ancient Greek?

  • Or that the word 'fart' comes from the world's oldest language, Sanskrit, in the form of 'pard'?

  • Or, that the word 'volcano' comes from the Roman god of fire Vulcan?

Unlock a whole new side to language in this abundant literary adventure. The etymological route, definition and word origin are explored for four words from every letter of the alphabet, unlocking over 100 wonderful word tales. One word per letter is brought to even more life with an extended poem that can be read or enjoyed aloud, making this a wonderful book to read alone or share with friends and family.

Wonderful Words to Tell a Taleย is a journey into the English language, a venture to be dipped into and enjoyed over and over again.

Tom Read Wilson is a TV presenter, actor, and singer. After graduating from theย Royal Academy of Musicย in 2011, where heย studied Musical Theatreย and performed in plays and musicals all over the world, Tomย stole the nationโ€™s hearts as the hilarious receptionist onย Celebs Go Dating. Tom continues to be a regular on our TV screens, among other things,ย havingย wonย Celebrity Mastermind (BBC1),ย placed 2nd onย Celebrity Best Home Cook (BBC1), and appearing on a multitude of shows such asย The Wheelย (BBC1),ย 8 out of 10 Cats (Ch4), andย Celebrity Juiceย (ITV). Aside from professional pursuits, supporting the Arts and green initiatives is a great passion for Tom; he is an active campaigner forย Wildwoodย andย The Kent Wildlife Trust, as well as an Ambassador forย Actingย For Others. Tom is a devout logophile who hosts a regularย podcast Tom Read Wilson has words withโ€ฆ and has been posting his Word of Day videosย since 2016. Find Tom on Twitter and Instagram @TomReadWilson.

Ian Morris is an illustrator based in Manchester, England. His eloquent ink drawings capture characters with extraordinary wit and charm.ย In 2017, Ian was recognised by the Association of Illustrators in their Top Upcoming Image Makers. He is a regular contributor to Prospect Magazine. Hisย debut picture book 'The Library Book' isย publishedย by Thames & Hudson.

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Tom Read Wilson is a TV presenter, actor, and singer. After graduating from theย Royal Academy of Musicย in 2011, where heย studied Musical Theatreย and performed in plays and musicals all over the world, Tomย stole the nationโ€™s hearts as the hilarious receptionist onย Celebs Go Dating. Tom continues to be a regular on our TV screens, among other things,ย havingย wonย Celebrity Mastermind (BBC1),ย placed 2nd onย Celebrity Best Home Cook (BBC1), and appearing on a multitude of shows such asย The Wheelย (BBC1),ย 8 out of 10 Cats (Ch4), andย Celebrity Juiceย (ITV). Aside from professional pursuits, supporting the Arts and green initiatives is a great passion for Tom; he is an active campaigner forย Wildwoodย andย The Kent Wildlife Trust, as well as an Ambassador forย Actingย For Others. Tom is a devout logophile who hosts a regularย podcast Tom Read Wilson has words withโ€ฆ and has been posting his Word of Day videosย since 2016. Find Tom on Twitter and Instagram @TomReadWilson.

Ian Morris is an illustrator based in Manchester, England. His eloquent ink drawings capture characters with extraordinary wit and charm.ย In 2017, Ian was recognised by the Association of Illustrators in their Top Upcoming Image Makers. He is a regular contributor to Prospect Magazine. Hisย debut picture book 'The Library Book' isย publishedย by Thames & Hudson.

โ€‹

Collage of audiobooks

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Phone showing make the switch message

Limited-time offer

Get two free audiobooks!

Nowโ€™s a great time to shop indie. When you start a new one credit per month membership supporting local bookstores with promo code SWITCH, weโ€™ll give you two bonus audiobook credits at sign-up.

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Reviews

“The origin stories of over 100 everyday words written by actor and TV presenter Wilson, and illustrated by Manchester’s Morris.” 

“This follow-up to Every Word Tells a Story explores the origins of words, and each one is illustrated with watercolour artwork by Morris.”

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