"This book is exactly what the title and subtitle imply: it is a short introduction to the study of words. This text fulfills its purpose admirably. It is a very good read as well, drawing on a remarkable knowledge of language and languages. One feature that is quite helpful is the use of bold test for terms which are deemed important enough to make it into the glossary, allowing for easy cross reference.This text makes fascinating foray into these matters from the perspective of the word, though, and for that alone is valuable to those who lean towards a social and functional view of language." -The Linguist List