New Releases by R. W. Holder

This is a study of the language of evasion, hypocrisy, prudery and deceit. It dissects the human tendency to prefer vague, roundabout expressions rather than use words which are precise and disagreeably true.

On 25 March 1997, Michael Donoghue, Managing Director of Somerset-based haulier Langdons, watched while eight of the firm’s articulated prime movers and 28 of its curtain-sided trailers were sold at auction. The bidding was brisk because the equipment was relatively new and in good order. When the hammer descended on the last lot, the sale had generated £284,000 plus VAT. Langdons had become too much of a threat for there not to be a certain amount of schadenfreude among some of the company’s competitors attending the auction, but there was also much sympathy for Michael, who was well known in the industry and well liked. Eleven years earlier Michael had led a management buyout of Langdons and had then overseen the transformation of an unprofitable jobbing transport business which operated an assortment of hired and obsolete equipment and was heavily dependent on owner-drivers. With its new vehicles and smart livery, Langdons’ reputation for reliability meant the firm was soon picking up too many major contracts for the ease of mind of its competitors. This book follows the company’s success and tells how Langdons achieved it.

This fascinating book tells the lives of Samuel Johnson, Noah Webster, Peter Roget, George Smith, James Murray and Joseph Wright, not simply as biography but by looking at their careers and freindships in the industrial, political, artistic, and social environment of their times.

We often use euphemisms when dealing with taboo or sensitive subjects--we speak of "full-figured" women, we "fudge" on our income tax, we get "cold feet" before our wedding. Here, author Holder celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague, or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and true. The dictionary provides definitions, examples, as well as historical explanations where appropriate.--From publisher description.

Because in the early 19th century a rector had surplus apples in his glebe, and because, fifty years later, a nearby farmerâe(tm)s daughter was unable to get a good price for her eggs locally, two substantial businesses developed in West Somerset: the Taunton Cider Company Ltd., and the national road haulage and logistics firm, Langdons. âeoe... an invaluable historical record which provides an interesting and fascinating read.âe Somerset County Gazette

We all use euphemisms every day. We speak of "full-figured" women. We "fudge" on our income tax. We step lively to avoid "horse apples"--and step even livelier in the grip of the "Aztec Two-step." We say that the dead have "bit the dust" or have been "promoted to glory." Now, in A Dictionary of Euphemisms, Revised Edition, R. W. Holder gives us an engaging volume that celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and disagreeably true. Here are thousands of entertaining and informative entries that range from long-established circumlocutions such as "everlasting life," "the Grim Reaper," "powder room," and "house of ill repute," to recent coinages such as "odorously challenged" (smelly), "corporate entertainment" (bribery), "AMW - actress, model, whatever" (prostitute), "downsizing" (laying off workers), and "white-knuckler" (a commercial flight on a small aircraft). Arranged in alphabetical order, the Dictionary gives definitions, examples from real authors, and historical explanations where appropriate. Holder also includes an extensive bibliography and, equally important, a Thematic Index, so that readers can look up euphemistic words and expressions for Death, Mental Illness, Narcotics, Obesity, Poverty, and other topics. A Dictionary of Euphemisms is a browser''s delight and an essential reference book for all lovers of language. Readers will find in it a captivating guide to the art of not saying what we mean.

A detailed, practical guide to management which analyzes the possible routes to success whilst remaining aware that the principle objective these days is how not to go bust. It includes advice on advertising, analysis, budgets, distribution, organization, personnel, sales and training.