Bergen Evans

Bergen Evans (1904-1978) was an American lexicographer, linguist, and television host who gained prominence for his work on language and etymology. He served as a professor of English at Northwestern University and became widely known for his books on word origins and common linguistic misconceptions. His most influential work, "A Dictionary of Contemporary American Usage" (1957), co-authored with his sister Cornelia Evans, became a standard reference for writers and editors. Evans also wrote "The Natural History of Nonsense" (1946), which challenged popular superstitions and folk beliefs, and "The Spoor of Spooks" (1954), which examined supernatural claims through a skeptical lens. Evans achieved broader public recognition through television, hosting the CBS game show "The Last Word" and appearing as a panelist on "Down You Go." His weekly column "The Language" appeared in newspapers nationwide, addressing questions about English usage and etymology. His scholarly approach to debunking linguistic myths and explaining word origins helped establish a more rigorous standard for popular writing about language. The Bergen Evans papers are now housed at Northwestern University, preserving his contributions to American linguistics and popular education.

Readers consistently highlight Evans' clear explanations of complex language topics and his logical approach to debunking myths. His "Dictionary of Contemporary American Usage" receives praise for remaining relevant decades later, with readers noting its practical examples and accessible style. What readers liked: - Systematic dismantling of folklore and superstitions - Dry humor and wit in explaining linguistic concepts - Thorough research and documentation - Clear writing that makes technical topics understandable What readers disliked: - Some find his tone overly academic - Occasional dated references and examples - Limited availability of his books today Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "The Natural History of Nonsense" - 4.1/5 (82 ratings) - Amazon: "Dictionary of Contemporary American Usage" - 4.5/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "Evans has a gift for making etymology fascinating without dumbing it down." Another commented: "His skeptical approach to language myths was ahead of its time."

The Natural History of Nonsense (1946) A examination of popular misconceptions, folklore, and commonly held false beliefs, with analysis of their origins and persistence in modern society.

A Dictionary of Contemporary American Usage (1957) A comprehensive reference guide addressing questions of grammar, word choice, and language usage in American English, co-authored with sister Cornelia Evans.

The Spoor of Spooks and Other Nonsense (1954) A collection of essays debunking supernatural claims, superstitions, and pseudoscientific beliefs.

The Psychiatry of Robert Burton (1944) An analysis of psychiatric concepts found in Robert Burton's "The Anatomy of Melancholy," examining early modern views on mental health.

Dictionary of Quotations (1968) A compilation of notable quotations arranged by subject matter, with historical context and source attribution.

Comfortable Words (1962) An exploration of the English language's evolution, examining word origins and changes in meaning over time.

H.L. Mencken wrote extensively on language usage and American culture in the early-mid 20th century. His work "The American Language" explores word origins and etymology with a similar academic yet accessible approach to Evans.

Bill Bryson produces books about language history and etymology, including detailed explorations of English vocabulary development. His writing combines scholarly research with historical context in works like "Mother Tongue" and "Made in America."

David Crystal examines the evolution and mechanics of English language through comprehensive reference works and historical analysis. His books cover similar territory to Evans in documenting how words and expressions develop over time.

Simon Winchester focuses on the history of dictionaries and English language development through narrative non-fiction. His work "The Professor and the Madman" explores the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary using historical research methods comparable to Evans.

Mario Pei wrote prolifically about linguistics and language history during the same era as Evans. His books examine word origins and language development with an academic foundation similar to Evans' approach.