Proper Names into Adjectives: Second of Two Parts

       Those who follow in the footsteps of or are likened to Swiss learning theorist Jean Piaget (pee-ah-ZHAY) have been called in print "Piagetian."  Now is this to be said pee-ah-ZHAY-shn or pee-ah ZHAY-tee-uhn or, perhaps to honor the original pronunciation of the name, pee-ah-ZHAY-ee-uhn?  The mouth wants to make it pee-ah-ZHAY-uhn, but the spelling won't let it.

       It is demeaning to the reputation and memory of one of the world's great conductors when his style is referred to as "Toscaninian."

       Somewhere along the way "Aristotelian" stopped sounding peculiar, and perhaps the same happy fate awaits author Bernard Malamud.  Meanwhile ""Malamudian" doesn't quite make it.  A little inventiveness is in order for these recently famous names.  In this instance, how about "Malamudic?"  That seems to me perfect, borrowed from the manner of "Platonic"with "Talmudic" overtones.

       Now I have seen "Frostean" for Robert Frost, which doesn't quite ring right, at least yet.  So one tries out "Frost-like," gets playful with "Frosted," and hurtles ahead to "Frozen."

       And what about philosopher Martin Buber?  I have heard "Buberian" on the radio, which is pretty bad.  "Buberic" would be no better.  "Bubonic?"  At this point, I rise to my Salperean heights ("Look, Ma, I'm famous!") . .  . and desist.