Place Names

Geographic features are relatively stable—but their names are not. This fact has been brought home with the advent of television, the Internet, and other technological advancements. Randall has drawn upon his global knowledge of geographic names accumulated by professional experiences in the fields of geography and cartography followed by a career with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, creating a comprehensive study of place names from a variety of perspectives. He discusses how place names influence many aspects of people's lives and shape the way people view the world around them, from a broad look at large countries to an analysis of the origins of river names, to an appreciation of how place names can indicate the historical nature of areas. He also demonstrates how place names have become essential elements of our every day vocabulary and are ingredients of music and literature. Placing particular emphasis on the political importance of place names for military and diplomatic matters, the author concludes with a survey of name disputes and examines an assortment of unusual and controversial location names. This book provides a comprehensive view of the dynamic field of geographic names through the eyes of an expert. It is a vital resource for anyone seeking information about this important element of our world.

Written by a geographer who was executive secretary of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) for 20 years, this book serves as a useful introduction to naming conventions, sources, and disputes., Richard Randall has written a very valuable and readable review about international toponymy...It is a worthy addition to both public libraries and personal book collections with an emphasis on place name study...Randall's Place Names deserves much praise, and the nation that "leads the world in names programs" has reason to be justly proud of his sterling efforts in producing it., Randall not only has impeccable credentials to address this subject but draws upon a wealth of experience....as a bonus, he concludes the volume with amusing chapters listing 'names in dispute' and 'unusual and unacceptable names'....Place Names is a useful and interesting book.

Richard R. Randall retired from his position as Executive Secretary of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names in 1993, after holding the position for twenty years. His interest in geography and place names stems to a significant degree from his middle name, Rainier; he is related to Admiral Peter Rainier, for whom Mt. Rainier was named.