Each chapter seemed even better than the previous, delving into ideas about surnames I'd not considered, but each enhancing the journey. From simple ideas, such as the reason for the spread of surnames (normally necessity), to learning that there weren't only warring clans - but actual warring surnames (such as the Tweedies vs, the Flemings). Eponyms provided an interesting discussion and was one aspect of surnames that I hadn't thought about - and yet is so deeply ingrained in society and the products we use; perhaps the reason it hadn't come to mind? A more sinister theme was the fad of changing your name to that of your political opponent as a way to confuse voters and perhaps increase the voting in your favour. This seemed to peak with a Hanoman and a Stansfeld becoming a Thatcher and a Regan.
The book taught me much in the way of terminology too, from daughtering out of surnames, to surgers, sliders, and stayers. Each phrase allowing me to better understand the basics of the world of onomastics - yet another new term for me.
All in all, this was a brilliant book that provided interesting and illuminating reading. The book left me with a greater sense of the importance of surnames, not just in general, but specifically. It also allowed an insight to what is actually in a surname - and that this is often not the obvious answer!