We're going over the top...

I'd like to share a sad experience. On Friday I picked up a used copy of a fantasy trilogy I'd failed to get to grips with when I first encountered it in my teens (no, not Lord of the Rings, although some of JRR's later work was way over my head).

But when I settled down for a read last night I soon encountered the following:

• "Oh forsooth! I cannot believe you are so anile!"

• "he waved one penumbral arm"

• "still he catechized"

• "immitigable hate"

• "brandished his carious eyes"

• "a number of my chattel"

• "attar-laden voice"

• "the whole penumbra burst into flame like a skin of green tinder"

• "you shall have your guerdon"

• "the forest’s perpetual gloaming"

• "an exigent need for sleep"

The trilogy's going back to the charity shop – though I have determined to use the word "anile" on the next ageing non-male I meet.