Shaggy Dogs and Black Sheep

More about the book

Albert Jack's exploration of everyday phrases offers an enlightening perspective on the English language, filled with colorful sayings we often use without consideration. This journey into the origins of expressions like "smart Alec," "in the pink," and "once in a blue moon" reveals a depth to English that many overlook. Following the success of his previous work, Jack continues to investigate the roots of hundreds of phrases, uncovering fascinating stories from diverse traditions including the navy, army, law, and even the practices of ancient civilizations. His pursuit of these "shaggy dog" stories leads to discoveries that are both strange and memorable, transforming our understanding of expressions like "the skin of your teeth" and "the graveyard shift." With a knack for storytelling, Albert Jack has become a publishing phenomenon, amassing hundreds of thousands of sales through his bestselling series that delves into the intriguing tales behind everyday phrases, the world's great mysteries, and nursery rhymes. His work ensures that readers will never view the English language in the same light again.