This collection of classical and figurative eponyms and idioms brings to life the beautiful and surprising histories behind hundreds of modern English words expressing behaviours, characteristics, conditions, concepts, archetypes and symbols. Throughout history and literature, decadent gods, great leaders, proud peoples, evocative places and memorable characters have lent their names to ordinary words like aegis, babel and cynical. All of these histories are explored in accessible prose, combining the erudition of a reference work with the appeal of short stories. Lovers of the English language, students of history, educated general readers and advanced EFL learners alike, will treasure this book for its wealth of knowledge and remarkable storytelling.