An Encyclopedia of Swearing ― The Social History of Oaths, Profanity, Foul Language, And Ethnic Slurs in the English-speaking World

This encyclopedia by Hughes (retired, history of the English language, U. of Witwatersrand, South Africa) is dedicated to the lexicography of swearing in all its modes, including asseveration, invocation, imprecation, malediction, blasphemy, profanity, obscenity, and exclamation. Not only does he include many entries detailing the linguistic origins of various swear words and terms, but he also looks at a host of issues arising from the changing role and function of swearing in the English language, as well as issues related to the scholarly study of swearing. Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)