The Reverend Guppy’s Aquarium

“Philip Dodd’s passport was certainly well stamped as he collected the anecdotes, memoirs and wry asides that make up the 15 tales presented here. Taking him from Buenos Aires to Disney World, each outlines how words in common usage (such as foxtrot, g-spot, maverick, and the guppy fish of the title) can be traced to the names of real, and often rather unassuming, individuals. Whilst there are some “ah-ha” moments, as pieces of each puzzle fall into place, it is the storytelling and the author’s obvious affection for his subject that give a heart to this book. It’s a quirky collection, concerned as much with people, history and fate as with their eponymous associations.”

Carol McNaughton, The Financial Times, 20/21 October 2007

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