Isms: From Autoeroticism to Zoroastrianism--An Irreverent Reference

There are words--and then there are -ISMs. More than just expressions with a wacky suffix, -ISMs are the eccentric geniuses of the English language. From esoteric philosophies and arcane religions to avant-garde artistic movements and kinky sexual practices, -ISMs describe our highest forms of human thought and endeavor--and our very lowest.

In this engaging and enlightening book, you'll explore more than 200 of the most interesting, mysterious, and obscure -ISMs, discovering the true meaning of these intriguing words as well as the often bizarre etymologies, mythologies, and the common and not-so-common usage behind them. With -ISMs as your guide, you'll be the most sophisticated wordsmith since Yogi Berra.