Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States (New York Review Books Classics)

Name: Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States (New York Review Books Classics)
Price: 13.99 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (85 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Travel Writing - Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States (New York Review Books Classics)

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Book Synopsis: George R. Stewart's classic study of place-naming in the United States was written during World War II as a tribute to the varied heritage of the nation's peoples. More than half a century later, Names on the Land remains the authoritative source on its subject, while Stewart's intimate knowledge of America and love of anecdote make his book a unique and delightful window on American history and social life.

Names on the Land is a fascinating and fantastically detailed panorama of language in action. Stewart opens with the first European names in what would later be the United States—Ponce de León's flowery Florída, Cortés's semi-mythical isle of California, and the red Rio Colorado—before going on to explore New England, New Amsterdam, and New Sweden, the French and the Russian legacies, and the unlikely contributions of everybody from border ruffians to Boston Brahmins. These lively pages examine where and why Indian names were likely to be retained; nineteenth-century fads that gave rise to dozens of Troys and Athens and to suburban Parksides, Brookmonts, and Woodcrest Manors; and deep and enduring mysteries such as why “Arkansas” is Arkansaw, except of course when it isn't.

Names on the Land will engage anyone who has ever wondered at the curious names scattered across the American map. Stewart's answer is always a story—one of the countless stories that lie behind the rich and strange diversity of the USA.

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Looking for a captivating read that combines history, linguistics, and geography? Look no further than George R. Stewart's Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States. This timeless classic, in the esteemed New York Review Books Classics collection, takes you on a fascinating journey through the origins and meanings of the names that dot the American map. Written during World War II, this book pays tribute to the diverse heritage of the nation's peoples.

Step into the world of the first European explorers and discover the colorful names they bestowed upon the lands they encountered. From Ponce de León's flowery Florída to Cortés's semi-mythical isle of California, these stories will transport you back in time. But the exploration doesn't stop there. Stewart meticulously examines the naming traditions of New England, New Amsterdam, New Sweden, and more. You'll be captivated by the legacies left by the French and the Russians and the unexpected contributions from border ruffians to Boston Brahmins.

Indian names also take center stage in this thought-provoking book. Stewart delves into the reasons why certain Indian names have stood the test of time and explores the nineteenth-century fads that led to the proliferation of names like Troy, Athens, and suburban estates with charming names like Parksides, Brookmonts, and Woodcrest Manors. He even uncovers the intriguing mystery of why "Arkansas" is pronounced as Arkansaw.

Get ready for a delightful mix of storytelling, history, and curiosity. Names on the Land will leave you with a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry that makes up the United States. Discover countless stories that lie behind the fascinating and diverse names that pepper our country's map, and gain a new appreciation for the unique heritage that has shaped America. Don't miss out on this unique window into American history and social life.

Ready to embark on this educational journey? Purchase Names on the Land today and unlock the captivating tales behind the names we've come to know and love.Click here to get your copy now!

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