This reference tool is a combination of a reverse dictionary, a thesaurus and a visual dictionary without pictures. It follows a thematic arrangement to aid readers who are searching for the ideal word when they need a descriptive or technical term, and know the subject but not the word.
Helping writers, students, researchers, and general readers scrambling for words, this thematic dictionary contains thousands of descriptions of terms organized into more than 20 subject categories. Alphabetized definitions of related words are broken down into subjects and sub-headings, making it easy for readers to find the words they need.
A superb reference for writers, researchers, students and teachers, this dictionary-style book illuminates everyday life in the 1800s, decade by decade. Readers will find hundreds of otherwise obscure facts about: * Popular slang--from the range to the underworld* How to furnish a farmhouse or outfit a barn* How much it cost for a shot of whiskey or to mail a letter* Styles of the fashionable--and not so fashionable* Courtship and marriage rituals* Popular food and drink--including brand names* And much, much more!