A Dictionary of Old Trades, Titles and Occupations

Since time began, people have not always felt they were doing the right job. But in a very real sense what they did defined who they were. This was particularly true when the structure of society was more rigidly set and social position was determined by trade or occupation rather than by achievement. In our own time, the world of work has changed enormously and some of the once familiar names and terms have fallen into disuse only to be understood with the help of a dictionary. For instance, who now knows what buddle boys, claquers, dobbers, hokey pokey men, rogue spotters and sperviters are? Colin Waters' excellent dictionary explains the function of nearly 4,000 old trades, titles and occupations. It is a comprehensive reference book that will be widely welcomed and is sure to become a much used companion; especially to all those interested in family, social and local history.

Keywords: dictionary, trades, titles, occupations, jobs, employment, history, social, genealogy, work