Placenames of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for 6, 600 Countries, Cities, Territories, Natural Features and Historic Sites - Tapa dura

A placename is often much more than just a label. A name may bespeak the history of a nation, the culture of a people, or the hopes of an individual. Such connections are revealed in this extensive alphabetical reference to placenames of the world, which offers an in-depth look at the origins of each. First published in 1997, the work in this new edition contains over 7,000 entries, including 1,000 new placenames from previously under-represented areas such as China and Japan. Entries cover natural features such as mountains, rivers and lakes as well as manmade entities such as cities and countries. Each entry includes the name of the feature; a brief description and its geographical location; and the origin of the name with relevant historical, biographical and topographical details. Appendices give the meanings of common elements of non-English placenames (e.g., Abu, as in Abu Dhabi, means "father of"); major placenames in European languages (e.g., Pays-Bas and Paesi Bassi are the French and Italian names, respectively, for what English speakers call the Netherlands); and transcribed Chinese-language equivalents for the names of the world's countries and capitals.

A noted toponymist and onomastician, Adrian Room is the author of over 40 reference books, including Placenames of France (2004), Dictionary of Pseudonyms (2003), A Dictionary of Music Titles and A Dictionary of Art Titles (2000). He also compiled African Placenames (1994). He lives in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England.