Over 500 words that you're unlikely to use and rarely encounter if at all. Though if you have specialist knowledge you might well meet one or two.

For example, every boy who has made a model aircraft carrier knows that the hook behind an aircraft is called an arrestor hook and the equipment on the carrier is called "arresting gear" - new term for handbrake!

The book might lead to some long-forgotten words returning to the language. For example "ravel" (v.) and still on a music theme "ostinato" (n.) - a repetative and simple melodic theme.

The author gives funny examples for use of the words, but does not say how they are pronounced.

Quite funny in places. Interesting in places. The sort of book you get bought but never buy. ( )