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The Godzone Dictionary of favourite New Zealand words and phrases (2nd Edition)

This concise A–Z dictionary, now updated in a new edition, is a quick and easy reference to understanding the words and phrases that make New Zealand English unique. Language expert Max Cryer provides helpful definitions for the various entries, and also sheds light on their origins. Slang words feature heavily, while a key feature is the large number of Māori words that have become part of the language. Popular names of sports teams are included as well as an appendix of New Zealand acronyms

SPECIFICATIONS: 9781775594000 | Paperback | 210 x 135 mm / 8.25 x 5.25 inches | 248 Pages

Curious English Words and Phrases (2nd edition)

USD $16.99 Tax Included

The truth behind the expressions we use.

‘Cloud nine’, ‘at the drop of a hat’, ‘spitting image’, ‘mollycoddle’, ‘rigmarole’, ‘round robin’, ‘spill the beans’, ‘kick the bucket’, ‘balderdash’ and ‘touch wood’. There are so many curious words and phrases that we often use and yet haven’t you ever wondered why we say them, where they come from and what they mean?

Written by language expert Max Cryer, Curious Words and Phrases has all the answers behind some of the most interesting and perplexing words and expressions in the English language. Bulging with information, it’s a useful reference book and the ideal gift for anyone curious about the words and phrases we use.

SPECIFICATIONS: Paperback | 210 x 135 mm / 8.25 x 5.25 Inches | 432 Pages |

The Cat’s Out of the Bag

USD $16.95 Tax Included

Truth and Lies About Cats

We cannot get enough of cats: from ancient times they have occupied a special place in many different cultures around the world. They have also generated a fascinating array of words, expressions and observations, as well as poems, books, movies, cartoons and artworks. In this witty and entertaining book, Max Cryer celebrates cats and all they have given to us. He describes the many words and expressions they have inspired, from ‘catnip’ and ‘catwalk’ to ‘the cat’s whiskers’ and ‘raining cats and dogs’, as well as famous cat characters like Garfield, Felix the Cat, The Cat in the Hat and Puss in Boots, songs as varied as ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ and ‘The Cats’ Duet’, and poems like ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ and ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’. The cats owned by famous celebrities are described, from Elizabeth Taylor’s ‘Jeepers Creepers’ to Dr Johnson’s ‘Hodge’. In other chapters he explores cats’ attributes, the strength of their night vision and sense of smell, their sleep requirements, life expectancy and much more. Surprising facts – and spurious fictions – can be found on almost every page.

Everything you ever wanted to know about cats can be enjoyed in this magnificent compendium of a book. It is a delight from beginning to end to be read with one on your lap.

Specifications: 9781921966545 | Paperback | 210 x 135mm / 8.25 x 5.25in | 192 Pages

Preposterous Proverbs

USD $13.99 Tax Included

Why fine words butter no parsnips

From our earliest years we have heard proverbs, and many of them are repeated without much thought. In ‘Preposterous Proverbs’, Max Cryer looks at a vast array of proverbs from around the world. Proverbs on birth, food, women and love rub shoulders with others on money, animals, sin and death. He has chosen some of the most interesting and perplexing, and with his characteristic wry wit he analyses their meaning and truth. A great book to dip into.

SPECIFICATIONS: Paperback | 198 x 126 mm | 272 Pages |

Love Me Tender

 

The stories behind the world’s favourite songs

Some of the world’s best-loved songs have had remarkable origins. In a book full of surprises and curiosities, Max Cryer reveals stories from all around the world, and from artists as diverse as Marlene Dietrich, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Elton John. This truly fascinating book makes enthralling reading.

SPECIFICATIONS: Hardback | 210 x 155 mm | Illustrations | 192 Pages |