Compound Words: A Study of the Principles of Compounding, the Components of Compounds, and the Use of the Hyphen

"Compound Words" by Frederick W. Hamilton is a technical educational publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the principles of compounding in the English language, specifically examining how words are combined to create new meanings, the role of components in these compounds, and the guidelines for using hyphens. It serves as part of a series aimed at educating apprentices in the printing trade. The content of the book systematically addresses the complexities of compound words, including how different forms of compounding are constructed and the linguistic nuances involved. Hamilton discusses historical uses of compounds and their evolution, laying out rules for when to use hyphens and under what specific circumstances compound forms should appear. Complemented by supplementary reading and review questions, the book serves not only as a guide but also as a practical reference for those learning about correct literary composition in typography, contributing to a more refined understanding of language usage in print.