Words and Their Meanings

An argument as timely as it is timeless, Aldous Huxley’s Words and Their Meanings argues the significance and power of words. A less well-known work originally published by The Ward Ritchie Press in 1940, Huxley’s essay arrived at the end of the Great Depression and coincided with U.S. entry into WWII, a time when global relations were heavily impacted by the craft and manipulation of language. Words and Their Meanings was selected as one of the Western Books of 1940, which was a celebration and recognition of fine printing. Huxley wrote that “words are magical in the way they affect the minds of those who use them” while displaying his insight and proficiency with language. He blends accessible elements of linguistic theory, semiotics and philosophy with his erudite style. RIT Press reintroduces Huxley’s philosophy with the publication of Words and Their Meanings, a privately printed, limited edition facsimile of the 1940 title. This fine edition has been produced in partnership with More Vang, Alexandria, Virginia.