tycho wrote:
Mark: was that a review of Henry Hitchens's new book that I knew was coming out round about now? I'm surprised he hasn't got an answer to the capitalisation question as he's a great authority on 18th century English
Anna
Yes, the book is by Henry Hitchings. Sorry if I didn't explain myself properly. What I meant was that the reviewer asks the question, in a rhetorical manner, but doesn't answer it. I am hoping that the book itself does indeed have a further explanation/answer. Hopefully one of the local libraries will buy a copy to save me shelling out on the offchance.
tycho wrote:
Capitalisation was always a rather haphazard affair, it seems. This quote might go some way to answering your question
That is definitely the best explanation I have seen. i.e. the very fact that it is somewhat haphazard probably explains why it is hard to see any firm rules.
Thanks - and if I do manage to track down a copy of the book I will report back.
MB