We speak and write a living language. It evolves. We add words, accepted meanings change and yes some words fall into disuse. This evolution in language comes into sharp focus for the intrepid author who presumes to write in another era, say the nineteenth- century. A couple of years ago I stumbled on a book based on the reminiscences of General David J. Cook, Superintendent of an organization that called itself the Rocky Mountain Detective Association. The book, first published in 1882, is a compilation of case reports on criminal investigations conducted by the association. Needless to say the language in the reports is pure nineteenth century. I found the terminology so amusing I started building a little glossary. I thought I might use a term here and there to give my stories a ring of authenticity. There is a risk of frustrating the modern reader if that goes too far, so sparing should be the watchword. Still who can resist something as tempting as: a character wending his way thitherward? Can you picture a romantic heroine who inspires cupidity? Used sparingly, I see opportunities to capture a little rascality and jollification!

https://www.amazon.com/author/paulcolt

Ride easy,
Paul