Mark Forsyth

The Etymologicon is a brilliant map of the secret labyrinth that lurks beneath the English language.

What does organised crime have to do with church organs? And what's the connection between blank cheques and check mate?The Etymologicon takes you on a journey through the hidden connections between words. Why is champagne the ideal drink for a campaign, what does shooting pool have to do with chickens, and why is black really white? There's always