Names on the Land A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States

, by ;
Names on the Land A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States by Stewart, George R.; Weiland, Matt, 9781590172735
Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
  • ISBN: 9781590172735 | 1590172736
  • Cover: Paperback
  • Copyright: 7/1/2008

  • Buy New

    In Stock Usually Ships in 24-48 Hours

    $23.96

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 Landremains 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 Landis a fascinating and fantastically detailed panorama of language in action. Stewart opens with the first European names in what would later be the United StatesPonce de Leon's flowery Florida, Cortes's semi-mythical isle of California, and the red Rio Coloradobefore 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 Landwill engage anyone who has ever wondered at the curious names scattered across the American map. Stewart's answer is always a storyone of the countless stories that lie behind the rich and strange diversity of the USA.
Loading Icon

Please wait while the item is added to your bag...
Continue Shopping Button
Checkout Button
Loading Icon
Continue Shopping Button