This erudite yet irresistibly readable examination of the rules and strategies of language deals with such topics as: why certain words make us wince or blush; differences in language between men and women; and the uncanny similarities among nursery rhymes all over the world. Absorbing . . . curious, amusing, and enlightening.--The New York Times. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.