After yesterday’s post, you probably have us pegged as true logophiles (from the Greek logos, “words,” and philo-, “love”). It’s true, and we’re happy to share the love with you today, along with a set of books we like that were written by the lexicographers (from the Greek lexikon, “word book,” and graphos, “writer”) of the American Heritage Dictionary. The books in their “100 Words” series are short but focused studies of words that are important to know, whether you’re a high school student, a college graduate, or just someone who wants to use words correctly. The spring holidays are approaching, and these inexpensive books are ideal for tucking in your travel bag to review on the train home from university, on a flight to Mexico, on your car trip to visit relatives, or sitting on the beach.

Don’t be complacent about your vocabulary knowledge – there’s always more to learn, and a profusion of useful words that can make you sound more urbane. Read “100 Words to Make You Sound Great” and a sophisticated and flexible vocabulary will become the hallmark of your professional presentations.

There is a plethora of words out there that many people say incorrectly. Show your acumen by studying the words in “100 Words Almost Everyone Mispronounces” and your next presentation won’t be a debacle, one that causes you such embarrassment that you wish yourself in the antipodes.

If fancy restaurants intimidate you because you don’t know the difference between ganache and gazpacho, then pick up a copy of “100 Words for Foodies” and learn the language of global cuisine – especially useful if you’re traveling overseas!

“100 Words Almost Everyone Mixes Up or Mangles” will clear up all sorts of confusion for you. We recommend this book highly for anyone studying for the GRE or SAT, because these words often appear on those examinations. Reading this book is an expedient way to expeditiously improve your vocabulary.

Of course true logophiles will want a copy of “100 Words Every Word Lover Should Know” so that they don’t lose their sangfroid or find themselves uttering malapropisms, reduced to mere palaver or desultory conversation because they can’t find the right words.