Book & Review Forums: The Lost World
word meaning "van"
This is an excellent mild mystery/mild adventure book, perfect for reading 5 minutes a day at work! Part 34 has a line which reads: "Professor Challenger who was with the two local Indians was in the van of the party, stopped suddenly and pointed excitedly to the right." What is this meaning of "van"?
Replies (4)
Posted by
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I would think it meant van as in Vanguard or front. It makes sense because the person at the front of the party would be the person to notice something first.
Feb 21, 2007 8:12 am
by cresswga -
You're right, this was an excellent book for this format. I never knew Doyle was as humorous as Lost World shows. I never got into Sherlock HOlmes much, and was very surprised at how involving this was. And of course, the ending sets up the sequel Lost World II, which I'm sure would have been infinitely better than Jurassic Park II & III.
Feb 22, 2007 9:25 am
by changolote -
I only know Doyle from Sherlock Holmes so I might have to add this to my list of books to check out.
by cresswga -
I thought it might amuse you to know that in part 127 of Moby Dick that I read today was the sentence:
"Meanwhile, Stubb retaining his place in the van, still encouraged his men to the onset, all the while puffing the smoke from his mouth."
It seems perhaps that this was common word that has since fallen out of favour.
by cresswga
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