Subject
Errors and blunders, Literary Books
Best books
Albert Cim
Récréations littéraires, curiosités et singularités, bévues et lapsus, etc.
"Récréations littéraires, curiosités et singularités, bévues et lapsus, etc." by Cim is a collection published in 1920. Albert Cim compiled literary blunders and peculiarities found in the works of French novelists, poets, and playwrights. From mathematical absurdities to anatomical impossibilities and obvious statements, these "pearls" appear in both popular serial novels and the writings of celebrated authors. Cim's careful documentation reveals how even the most conscientious writers occasionally stumble into inadvertent comedy through ignorance, inattention, or lapses in taste.
Henry B. (Henry Benjamin) Wheatley
How to Make an Index
"How to Make an Index" by Henry B. Wheatley is a practical guide on the art and science of indexing, written in the late 19th century. The book aims to provide readers with both historical context and practical techniques for creating effective indexes, encouraging careful thought on both what to include and how to organize information efficiently." The opening of the book introduces the reader to Wheatley's extensive experience in index-making and sets the stage for an exploration of the evolution and significance of indexes in literature. The author references notable historical figures who have commented on indexing, such as Joseph Glanville and Thomas Fuller, contrasting earlier criticisms of indexing with modern views on its necessity for effective knowledge retrieval. Wheatley expresses the need for proper training in indexing, emphasizing that while anyone may attempt it, true competence requires understanding and skill. The initial chapters outline the development of index-making, introducing fundamental concepts that will be further developed as the text progresses.
Henry B. (Henry Benjamin) Wheatley
Literary Blunders: A Chapter in the "History of Human Error"
"Literary Blunders: A Chapter in the 'History of Human Error'" by Henry B. Wheatley is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The book explores the various types of blunders made in literature, examining the effects of errors in writing and translation, as well as the unique character of common misunderstandings in language. Wheatley aims to shed light on the amusing and sometimes serious consequences of these mistakes while celebrating the quirks of literary history. The opening of the work serves as a preface, setting the stage for the discussion of literary blunders by referencing Augustine Caxton's unrealized "History of Human Error." Wheatley introduces the concept of blunders versus mistakes, suggesting that blunders often originate from mental confusion and can be light-hearted despite their serious origins. The author indicates that the subsequent chapters will cover various examples, including ghost words, misprints, errata, and the unintentional twists of language that give birth to mistakenly attributed literary tales. This engaging introduction promises a blend of humor and academic analysis, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of human oversight in the literary world.
José da Fonseca
English as she is spoke; or, a jest in sober earnest
"English as she is spoke; or, a jest in sober earnest" by Fonseca and Carolino is a Portuguese-English phrase book published in 1855. Intended as a practical conversational guide, it became instead a legendary monument to hilariously mistaken translation. The author appears to have used a French-English dictionary to translate a Portuguese-French phrase book, producing absurd results like "raining in jars" and "to craunch a marmoset." Mark Twain declared it perfect in its unintentional comedy, noting that "nobody can add to the absurdity of this book."
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