This isn't a novel with a plot, but it has a clear mission. Geographical Etymology is a dictionary where the entries are place names. Christina Blackie, writing in the 1800s, collected names from across the globe and researched their linguistic roots. She explains what words in Old English, Gaelic, Norse, or other languages they came from, and what they originally described. The 'story' is the journey from an old descriptive phrase to the modern name we recognize.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is the sheer curiosity behind it. Blackie wasn't just compiling facts; she was connecting dots across history and language. You realize that 'Chester' or 'caster' in a name often points to an old Roman fort, or that 'Avon' simply means 'river'—so River Avon is basically 'River River.' It turns a routine glance at a map into a moment of discovery. It’s surprisingly personal, feeling like you’re peeking over the shoulder of a dedicated researcher from another time.

Final Verdict

This is a book for the naturally curious, the word nerds, and the armchair travelers. If you love history, linguistics, or just have a habit of wondering 'why is it called that?' this book will feel like a treasure trove. It’s not something you read cover-to-cover, but a book to dip into whenever a place name catches your eye. A charming and insightful companion for anyone who believes names hold secrets.