Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come from. This item is unavailable.Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come from

Did you know that English words come from all over the world and that their meanings have changed along their journey?

Our word "zero" comes from the Arabic word for empty space. "Companion" is from the Latin for with bread.

With simple descriptions and dazzling, evocative and witty illustrations, this is a fascinating introduction to the rich history and cultural diversity of our language.

Words included: orchestra (Japanese); zero (Arabic); guru (Sanskrit); ukulele (Hawaiian); jaguar (Tupi); royalty (Norman French); companion (Latin); kookaburra (Wradjuri); worm (Old English); mummy (Persian); caribou (Algonquin); safari (Swahili).

Patrick Skipworth studied Classics and Linguistics in London and the Netherlands, connecting the dots between ancient cultures, their histories and their languages. Today, Patrick is a children’s book editor, but likes to write his own stories when he can. Some of his favourite topics are prehistoric bugs, super-intelligent robots and legends from far away places.

Nicholas Stevenson’s work as an illustrator is as colourful as his personality and past. Now living in London, he spent years in the Seychelles, in his own words “dressing like peter pan most days”. Nicholas’ work is lively, engaging, mysterious and deeply painterly. He is very well appreciated by the publishing and music industries.