An Unkindness of Ravens: A Book of Collective Nouns

By Chloe Rhodes

'A thoroughly entertaining and absorbing little publication, set out in an accessible and easy-to-read style' - The Bookbag

Why are geese in a gaggle? Are crows really murderous? And what makes lions so proud? Collective nouns are one of the most charming oddities of the English language, often with seemingly bizarre connections to the groups they identify.

But have you ever stopped to wonder where these peculiar terms actually came from?

Most of those found in this book have their origins in the Medieval Books of Courtesy, among the earliest works to be published in this country. Despite originating as a form of social etiquette reserved for the gentry, many of these collective nouns have survived to become a curious feature of today's everyday language.

This absorbing book tells the stories of these evocative phrases, many of which have stood the test of time and are still in use today. Entertaining, informative and fascinating, An Unkindness of Ravens is perfect for any history or language buff.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael O'Mara
• Release date: Sep 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781782433170

Chloe Rhodes

Chloe Rhodes is a freelance writer and journalist whose work has appeared in The Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Independent on Sunday, as well as in several other national publications. Her previous books include A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages and One For Sorrow: A Book of Old-Fashioned Lore, both published by Michael O'Mara Books.