English for Students

Blurb

What is the meaning and origin of Blurb?

When we pick up any book, the first thing we normally look at is the back cover. It usually contains the publisher’s or reviewer’s short, but raving description of the book. This description, which is always full of praise for both author and the book, is called a blurb.


According to the blurb this is the best novel written by the author.


Although the idea of a blurb had been in existence for a long time, the word itself was coined only in the 20th century. I understand that it was the brainchild of Gelet Burgess, the well – known author of The Purple Cow. When his new book Are you Bromide? was launched, Burgess persuaded his publishers to do away with the usual sugary write – up. Instead, he made them paste the picture of a girl whom he named Miss. Belinda Blurb. The back cover said Yes, This A BLURB. It contained quotes from Ms. Blurb As a result, anything that was printed on the back cover began to be called a blurb. Nowadays, we have blurbs on DVDs and VCD Covers as well.


COURTESY : The Hindu (The National News-Paper) - India