Books : Is There a Cow in Moscow?: More Beastly Mispronunciations and Sound Advice : Another Opinionated Guide for the Well-Spoken
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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 421.54
EAN num: 9780020283713
ISBN number: 0020283717
Label: Collier Books
Manufacturer: Collier Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 240
Printing Date: 1990-10
Publishing house: Collier Books
Sale Popularity Level: 1238109
Studio: Collier Books
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Rated by buyers 
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However you feel about Mr. Elster's very first word pronunciation guide, "There Is No Zoo in Zoology", you will fell about his addendum. Regardless of whether any dairy farmers remain in the Russian capitol, the author found many more words whose common mispronunciations are legion, including several proper nouns. It is a wonderful companion to his very first book, and left me wondering if a third book might be possible, since we have no shortage of mangled words in need of his aid!
After studying both books over a month-long period and overcoming the stage fright of worrying about saying some word incorrectly, I have emerged into a new world where I use and pronounce words more accurately. If you believe our language is worth preserving with a resemblance to its historical contours, some focus on "proper" pronunciation is essential. Mr. Elster has done a lot of research for you, and encourages you to consider his findings and suggestions as you set your personal course toward better speech.
I have to add that because the book is divided into a series of entertaining alphabetical vignettes on word origin, evolution, and pronunciation, it lends itself well to the coffee table and other places where people sit to casually read. Don't underestimate the entertainment value of this topic - it is anything but dry and antiseptic. There is real drama in the battle for the English language, including the way we say our words. You will be amazed at how many words you learned and were taught to pronounce the wrong way. If you feel any responsibility at all for preserving the language, Elster will motivate you to clean up your act and improve your standing in the English-speaking world.
Rated by buyers 
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The concept for this book was good. The execution flopped.
Quite frankly, had I known the contents of this book, I would not have paid the 33-cents I paid for it. Disappointing on several levels:
It's loaded with foreign, arcane, obscure words and names. (Attention author: NAMES do not follow any phonics 'rules' in English, and do not have to.)
It's overly loaded with what may be called 'more recent foreign expressions,' -- especially from French -- which, of course, most native English speakers do not use (so the 'usage' is in limbo, or not really 'borrowed' as yet). For example: How many 'marquis' do you meet in daily life? How about 'seraglio'? 'Ukase' (an edict from the czar of Russia, who of course does not exist anymore)? 'Tete-a-tete.' 'Lapsus linguae.' [Never used THAT one in my entire life!] 'De regueur.' 'Bon mot.' 'Bete noir.'
The proper pronunciation of 'Israel,' 'Judaism,' and 'ketchup'? I mean, REALLY?!! How bizarrely pedantic can you get?
Names and proper nouns: Nazi, Roethke, Ayn Rand, Roosevelt, van Gogh, Rainer Maria Rilke, Anais Nin, Nabakov, Michelangelo, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Knopf [book publisher], Hawaii, Kahlil Gibran, Minotaur (how often will you use that one?). Why THESE names? Why these and not others?
A quote from the book: "One final warning: Don't pronounce 'Oregon' so that it sounds like 'organ.' Be sure to give the word three syllables." Is that classic 'DUH' writing, mascarading as erudition, or what?
The author made several clear mistakes on certain words in current usage. A few others, among his 'opinions,' are highly debatable (and should be presented as such). He also left out completely some of the more obvious words that are in a high state of 'usage flux' right now.
Very little of value here, unfortunately.
Rated by buyers -
This dictionary style guide to good pronunciation is fun to flip through for those who love words--both spoken and written. And, if you're a speaker, you just might find that troublesome word your tongue gets tied around thoughtfully and carefully broken down so even you can pronounce it correctly.
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