The awesome Mark Forsyth and The Horologicon

On Tuesday evening, we welcomed the author and journalist Mark Forsyth (aka The Inky Fool) to Abingdon's resplendent Guildhall.

The inevitable early morning uhtceare we suffer on the morning of any big event proved unfounded (Will the author arrive? Will he pull a hum durgeon?, etc.), and at 7.30pm there was a packed audience in Abingdon's newly refurbished and resplendent Roysse Room.

Despite some betwattled activity by staff to get the microphone working shortly before Mark arrived, it wasn't the the shturmovshchina I had initially feared. The evening was slightly warmer of late, not so swale as expected, so there was no collapsing of bumbershutes from guests as they grubbled for tickets and removed golgothas waiting to come in. The start time of 7.30pm was conveniently past any prior cinquasept I'm happy to say.

Historically a misocapnist, I was happy to stand as the dimpsy murkened with Mark for a pre-event smoko before the event kicked off, preparing my intro en charette and pointing out the County Hall in the distance with its fake-medieval ceiling fixing. Mark was thus able to point to this piece of skeuomorphism to begin his talk - and the evening really got going.

Mark talked about the romantic language of supermarkets, with their gondolas and light thieves, as well as communicating his incredible passion for dictionaries and their importance in recording social and oral history. With no interruptions or kittle pitchering, Mark's talk gave way to questions and duologues. The audience shared some of their own unfamiliar words: the words wassack and dap were bandied about.

But, sadly, gabos: there were books to be sold and signed. Having roughly translated the Roysse Room's greek inscription at the beginning of the event, Christmas was uppermost on everyone's mind, and as the meeting broke up into a collocation, Mark signed books and met the audience...

...whilst dispensing niffles of wisdom and even the odd old English insult to those that requested one:

Many good Mostly Books marrows and belamies had come along for the evening, and most seemed to have a good time.

Finally, quafftide had arrived. We decamped to have a small go at a local potation-shop, that fine sluicery The King's Head and Bell.

Our thanks to Mark for a truly wonderful evening, where we felt royally and golupshusly entertained and educated. Mark's tour around the country continues, and if you get a chance to hear him talk - please do so.

All that remains is for us to publish the blog in time-honoured fashion. I was perendinating, but as it happens I think this will do. It has a quality of doneness that I particularly like...

3 4 Friday - three reasons to come and meet Mark Forsyth

OK - something a bit different for our 3 4 Friday #fridayreads today. If you’ve ever looked at our author event programme and thought “you know what, I’d love to go along to a Mostly Books event” but have never had the opportunity, then perhaps we can lure you along to our next event which we think is going to be a great evening. It's our big seasonal outing for the year, which is always a fun and lively get-together.

On Tuesday, November 13th at 7.30pm we will be welcoming Mark Forsyth to The Roysse Room, at Abingdon’s Guildhall, and we’d love to tell you three reasons why we hope you will make it a date in your diary - and we’ll see you there.

Firstly, Mark is the author of ‘The Etymologicon’, a wonderful book which tells the hidden stories behind the evolution of words in our language. After being the Radio 4 book of the week last year, it was an unexpected Sunday Times bestseller. This year he has written ‘The Horologicon’, which means 'a book of things appropriate to each hour'. It follows a day in the life of unusual, beautiful (and forgotten) English words. Mark’s passion for words, and his own skill as a wordsmith, ensures that this book is endlessly fascinating. 


Secondly, Mark himself is a wonderful speaker, and describes himself as a ‘passionate pedant’ when it comes to the English language. Born in London in 1977, he was given a copy of the Oxford English Dictionary as a christening present and ‘never quite recovered’. After studying English language and literature at Oxford University he worked as a freelance writer, proof reader and ghostwriter for ten years. In 2009 he started the Inky Fool blog, which contained daily articles on words, rhetoric, poetry, but most of all etymology and the strange and often ludicrous stories behind familiar words.

Despite his pedantry, a knowledge of history has given him a common-sense approach to its proper use. As he says:  “Reality changes words far more than words can ever change reality.”. He has spoken at the TED series of conferences, and has a reputation as a great speaker, so we know it will be a fascinating evening.

This is a fascinating six-minute talk on how reality changes the nature of words:

Finally, Mostly Books events are always fun, with a glass of wine on offer on the evening and  the chance to get up close and personal with an author right here in Abingdon. Tickets cost £8, and as well as refreshments, will include £3 off the cost of ‘The Horologicon’ on the night. And dare we say it is a beautifully produced book and a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who is interested in books, words and language.

Have we tempted you? If so, why not come along with a friend (!), reserve a ticket or two by emailing us at books@mostly-books.co.uk – and if you know anyone who might love a fun and stimulating evening on November 13th – share this link with them!

We really hope you will be able to join us.

Mark & Nicki