Most English speakers are unaware that probably half their language comes from French, or indeed is French, recently transplanted. This book tells you the fascinating stories of English words that came from French, often words you would never have dreamt were French (like curtsy, mutton, very, surrender, important, grenade, pistol and dozen). It tells you how these words evolved, how they arrived in English, and how they changed once in English.
This is not a book with useful facts to memorize (although you'll learn a lot of French and a lot about French while you read). However, it's interesting. It's fun to read. It will stretch your mind and introduce you to things you never imagined. Think of these fascinating stories as a little treat for yourself when you feel like reading something interesting.
READ WHAT PROFESSORS AND INSTRUCTORS OF FRENCH HAVE WRITTEN about this book:
I have to tell you, This Book is So Much Fun to Read! --- Catherine Ostrow, Lecturer, Wesleyan.
I was discussing your book with my husband (who doesn't speak French), telling him about all the French he already speaks without knowing it. It is indeed a lot of fun to read. --- Prof. Brigitte Humbert, Middlebury.
I found it, like the others, really useful. Nice work! The whole series is impressive. --- Prof. Jonathan Walsh, Wheaton.
What a marvelous book! Bravo and keep up the good work! -- Prof. Ruth Koizim, Yale.
I really like it! I am impressed with the amount of research you put into your books. ---- Prof. John Turvaville, U. of Tenn.
As a professor of French, I found your book fascinating. I like to give students this type of background. --- Prof Richard Duran, Baylor U..
I read your book, a tonic in between undergrad lit papers! It's clearly written and well researched. I did enjoy it. --- Prof. Herta Rodina, Ohio U.
AND ABOUT OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:
I think your books are wonderful. You have made a fantastic contribution to the French language profession. --- Prof. Judy Baughin, Raymond Walters College.
You have done a real service to learners of French...This is important work. --- Prof. John Romeiser, U. of Tenn..
I have to say your Key Words and Expressions is just the kind of book I would have liked to have had when I was teaching myself French oh-so-many years ago. --- Prof John Moran, NYU.
If you really want to learn spoken French, you need this book (Key Words). You'll need other books as well, you'll need audio materials, and you'll need live language experience. But this book is a necessity. ---- reader reviewer, amazon.
I love the Faux Amis, especially the relaxed, conversational presentation. ---- Professor Norman Shapiro, Wesleyan U.
Your little books are great! ---- Prof. AG Fralin, Washington and Lee U.
I absolutely *love* Faux Amis...It's so well done. --- Prof. Herta Rodina, Ohio U.
I love your books! They are easy to navigate, and they are extremely useful to non-native French speakers. ---- Prof. John Turvaville, U. of Tenn..
Perhaps the most amazing thing about this book (Key Words) is that it took until 2007 for anyone to think of writing it! ---- reader reviewer amazon.com.
The books are excellent.---- Prof. Luke Bouvier, U. Mass, Amherst
I've been perusing Key Words for the past couple of days and it's great fun... What a great idea for a book! --- Prof. Herta Rodina, Ohio U.
This (Key Words) is easily one of the best and most important French resources I own (and I've got dozens of them)... It's amazing, absolutely amazing how this book has improved my understanding of spoken French. - reader reviewer, amazon.com.
This book (Rules for the Gender of French Nouns) is a solid reference. I wish Rosenthal had written his book twenty years ago when I was a student. - Stephen Hedge, review in "The French Review".
About the Author: Saul is retired and lives with his wife (and his cat) for a part of each year in France, splitting his time between Provence and Bretagne. He spends a good deal of his time hiking, bicycling, and reading as well as writing, and he loves a variety of the French card game belote which is called "la coinche". Saul is the author of a number of books on learning French, including:
The Gender of French Nouns:
1. The Rules for the Gender of French Nouns, (4th revised edition)
The Faux Amis Series:
1. Speaking Better French, Faux Amis
2. Speaking Better French, more Faux Amis
3. Speaking Better French, still more Faux Amis
4. French Faux Amis: The Combined Book
The Key Words and Expressions Series:
1. Speaking Better French, The Key Words and Expressions
2. Speaking Better French, More Key Words and Expressions
3. French Key Words and Expressions: The Combined Book
The French You Use Without Knowing It Series:
1. All the French You Use Without Knowing It
2. More French You Use Without Knowing It
3. French Words You Use Without Knowing It, The Combined Book
French Anglicisms:
1. French Anglicisms, The Amazing Number of French Words that Come from English
His goal isn't to write textbooks, but rather to write books which are interesting and even FUN to read. He hopes that his books will make learning more about French a real pleasure for you.
