Contradictionary: An A-Z Of Confusibles, Lookalikes And Soundalikes

Do you know the difference between burgers and burghers? Bucolic and alcoholic? Complacent, complaisant and compliant? A cassock, a Cossack, a hassock, a tussock, a hillock, a hummock and a pillock?

If not, Fritz Spiegl's 'Contradictionary' is the book for you. With entries varying from pithy brevity to mini essays, this quirky but well-informed book is essential reading for anyone who has ever been flummoxed by words that don't mean what they look as if they ought to mean. Unlike compilers of real, po-faced reference books, Spiegl is not afraid of expressing strong opinions. Some of his discursive asides and delightful digressions will make you laugh aloud.

Readers, writers and students of media studies will find answers to frequently asked questions - and a number of questions they never imagine they would have to ask.