The thesaurus and a passion for lists

Today is Thesaurus Day

Finding the right words to express yourself can sometimes be challenging and a thesaurus can help you uncover the emotion, thought, or mood you're after.

For Peter Roget, words were an obsession (a passion, a hobby, a lifelong pursuit).

Starting when he was a young boy, Roget was so intrigued by words, he started making lists. List after list after list. Of words. A series of lists that would eventually become a book.

First published in 1852, Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words And Phrases, remains a popular reference tool. Today, over 150 years later, updated versions of Roget’s thesaurus continue to be sold.

On my bookshelf you’ll find a well-worn copy of Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus and another book, The Right Word, Roget and His Thesaurus, written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Though the book is written for children, Sweet’s illustrations take readers of all ages on a journey of discovery. The book is a celebration of words, ideas, and knowledge.

If you love words, this book is a feast ... a banquet.

Today is Thesaurus Day and I hope that you, like Roget, will pursue whatever amusement, curiosity, or activity you find most rewarding.