CRAIG CONLEY (Prof. Oddfellow) is recognized by Encarta as “America’s most creative and diligent scholar of letters, words and punctuation.” He has been called a “language fanatic” by Page Six gossip columnist Cindy Adams, a “cult hero” by Publisher’s Weekly, a “monk for the modern age” by George Parker, and “a true Renaissance man of the modern era, diving headfirst into comprehensive, open-minded study of realms obscured or merely obscure” by Clint Marsh. An eccentric scholar, Conley’s ideas are often decades ahead of their time. He invented the concept of the “virtual pet” in 1980, fifteen years before the debut of the popular “Tamagotchi” in Japan. His virtual pet, actually a rare flower, still thrives and has reached an incomprehensible size. Conley’s website is OneLetterWords.com.
5-stars. "This book is really something. I stumbled across Craig Conley/Professor Oddfellow in a very random fashion and was instantly intrigued by the non-linear, insightful musings. The writings display a certain literary mastery in its truly original style. One of my favorite quotes from this book: "... keep in mind that when one is at the center of things, every direction is straight ahead". This is my first purchase by this author and it won't be my last. If you are ready to delve into the exploration of concepts that will enhance the way you view the world, this book is for you." —Jessica
"A large goose with three golden eggs. Numbered circles printed on the body of the goose are for playing a counter game. Coloured engraving." From 1848.
"A wet day for a wedding." From Fighting an Omen by E. Henderson Smith, 1883. Speaking of weddings, see our Collected Lost Meanings of Wedlock. Why lost meanings? The definition of "marriage" has become hotly debated of late, to the point that the word has become "increasingly unmentionable" (Catholic Herald) or even "has no meaning at all" (Family Policy Institute). It's been said that only through loss can there be gain, that only through loss can we truly grow and understand what is at stake, that only through loss can that which is beautiful be found. As the poet Joseph August has noted, "Only through loss can we glimpse the deepest meanings, / hints and flashes whispered from below / elucted as from underwater, deep." The collected lost meanings of wedlock might surprise even those who would otherwise be considered well-informed. It's the perfect gift for one's betrothed, or for a wedding planner, or for anyone contemplating matrimony.