“Language maven” is just one of William Safire’s claims to fame.  He is also a bestselling novelist, a political columnist for The New York Times, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary.  In a previous incarnation he worked as a senior speechwriter in the Nixon White House.  Mr. Safire’s books include Freedom, Full Disclosure, You Could Look It Up, Take My Word for It, Safire’s Political Dictionary, Good Advice, and What’s the Good Word? Less