Literary Blunders: A Chapter in the "History of Human Error"

Name: Literary Blunders: A Chapter in the "History of Human Error"
Author: Henry B. Wheatley

By Henry B. Wheatley

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About This Book

A brisk, mildly satirical survey of printing and linguistic errors, organized into chapters that distinguish blunders from mistakes and collect examples across fields: philological ghost words, misquotations, authors' and translators' slips, bibliographical errors, lists of errata and notorious misprints, school examination answers, and halting Exhibition English by nonnative speakers. Each section pairs explanation with amusing instances and brief analysis of causes such as typographical carelessness, misreading, etymological guesswork, or overconfidence, while offering practical notes for editors and readers on the persistence and detection of literary blunders.

About the Author

Henry B. Wheatley

Henry B. Wheatley was a British author and bibliographer known for his contributions to library science and literary history. His works often explore the intricacies of cataloging and indexing, as seen in titles like "How to Catalogue a Library" and "How to Make an Index." Wheatley also delved into historical subjects, notably in "Samuel Pepys and the World He Lived In," which examines the life and times of the famous diarist. His book "Literary Blunders: A Chapter in the 'History of Human Error'" highlights the amusing mistakes found in literature, showcasing his keen interest in the quirks of human expression. Wheatley's writings reflect a dedication to the preservation and understanding of literary heritage.