Language: history and general works Books
HarperCollins Publishers Proto
Book Synopsis
£18.70
Bonnier Books Ltd ThirtyTwo Words for Field
Book SynopsisRediscover the lost words of an ancient land in this new and updated edition of an international bestseller.Most people associate Britain and Ireland with the English language, a vast, sprawling linguistic tree with roots in Latin, French, and German, and branches spanning the world, from Australia and India to North America.But the inhabitants of these islands originally spoke another tongue. Look closely enough and English contains traces of the Celtic soil from which it sprung, found in words like bog, loch, cairn and crag. Today, this heritage can be found nowhere more powerfully than in modern-day Gaelic.In Thirty-Two Words for Field Manchán Magan explores the enchantment, sublime beauty and sheer oddness of a 3000-year-old lexicon. Imbuing the natural world with meaning and magic, it evokes a time-honoured way of life, from its 32 separate words for a field, to terms like loisideach (a place with a lot of kneading troughs), bróis
£14.44
Icon Books The Elements of Eloquence: How To Turn the
Book SynopsisFROM THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER THE ETYMOLOGICON. 'An informative but highly entertaining journey through the figures of rhetoric ... Mark Forsyth wears his considerable knowledge lightly. He also writes beautifully.' David Marsh, Guardian. Mark Forsyth presents the secret of writing unforgettable phrases, uncovering the techniques that have made immortal such lines as 'To be or not to be' and 'Bond. James Bond.' In his inimitably entertaining and witty style, he takes apart famous quotations and shows how you too can write like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde or John Lennon.Crammed with tricks to make the most humdrum sentiments seem poetic or wise, The Elements of Eloquence reveals how writers through the ages have turned humble words into literary gold - and how you can do the same.Trade ReviewSparkling ... the book offers many pleasures ... I laughed out loud. -- Charles Moore * Daily Telegraph *An informative but highly entertaining journey through the figures of rhetoric ... Mark Forsyth wears his considerable knowledge lightly. He also writes beautifully. -- David Marsh * Guardian *
£10.44
Oxford University Press The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar
Book SynopsisThis book is an accessible and authoritative A-Z that provides up-to-date definitions of over 1,600 current grammatical terms, with hundreds of useful example sentences and helpful quotations from the scholarly literature. An invaluable guide to all those interested in the English language.Trade ReviewAn in-depth explanation of grammatical terms for writers, those who teach writing and grammar, or who love words and their combinations. This is a world of information in an inexpensive package. * Library Journal *In this second edition, Bas Aarts, as a leading academic grammarian, has added his authority to an already highly-respected vade mecum to English grammar. The comprehensive up-to-date coverage of the book brings a balanced in-depth treatment of the variant grammatical terminologies that can be so confusing. This makes it an indispensable reference guide for students, teachers, academics and anyone challenged or fascinated by the world of English grammar. * Professor Geoffrey Leech, Lancaster University *Review from previous edition grammar as the total system of the language ... well defined and well illustrated with quotations from grammarians ancient and modern." * Times Literary Supplement *This is an excellent, scholarly work, yet outstandingly practical and genuinely accessible by any reader seeking better to understand existing grammar texts. * Reference Reviews *
£13.29
Cambridge University Press The Cambridge Grammar of Classical Greek
Book SynopsisThis is the first full-scale reference grammar of Classical Greek in English in a century. The first work of its kind to reflect significant advances in linguistics made in recent decades, it provides students, teachers and academics with a comprehensive yet user-friendly treatment. The chapters on phonology and morphology make full use of insights from comparative and historical linguistics to elucidate complex systems of roots, stems and endings. The syntax offers linguistically up-to-date descriptions of such topics as case usage, tense and aspect, voice, subordinate clauses, infinitives and participles. An innovative section on textual coherence treats particles and word order and discusses several sample passages in detail, demonstrating new ways of approaching Greek texts. Throughout the book numerous original examples are provided, all with translations and often with clarifying notes. Clearly laid-out tables, helpful cross-references and full indexes make this essential resourcTable of ContentsPreface; Abbreviations, symbols, editions; On terminology; Part I. Phonology and Morphology: 1. The signs and sounds of Classical Greek; 2. Introduction to nominal forms; 3. The article; 4. Nouns; 5. Adjectives and participles; 6. Adverbs; 7. Pronouns; 8. Correlative pronouns and adverbs; 9. Numerals; 10. The dual: nominal forms; 11. Introduction to verb forms; 12. The present; 13. The aorist: active and middle; 14. The aorist: passive; 15. The future: active and middle; 16. The future: passive; 17. The perfect (and future perfect): introduction; 18. The perfect: active; 19. The perfect: middle-passive; 20. The future perfect; 21. The dual: verb forms; 22. Principal parts; 23. Word formation; 24. Accentuation; 25. Ionic and other dialects; Part II. Syntax: 26. Introduction to simple sentences; 27. Agreement; 28. The article; 29. Pronouns and quantifiers; 30. Cases; 31. Prepositions; 32. Comparison; 33. The verb: tense and aspect; 34. The verb: mood; 35. The verb: voice; 36. Impersonal constructions; 37. Verbal adjectives; 38. Questions, directives, wishes, exclamations; 39. Introduction to complex sentences; 40. Introduction to finite subordinate clauses; 41. Indirect statements; 42. Indirect questions and indirect exclamations; 43. Fear clauses; 44. Effort clauses; 45. Purpose clauses; 46. Result clauses; 47. Temporal clauses; 48. Causal clauses; 49. Conditional clauses; 50. Relative clauses; 51. The infinitive; 52. The participle; 53. Overview of subordinate constructions; 54. Overview of moods; 55. Overview of the uses of ἄν; 56. Overview of negatives; 57. Overview of the uses of ὡς; Part III. Textual Coherence: 58. Introduction; 59. Particles; 60. Word order; 61. Four sample passages; Bibliography; Indexes.
£33.99
Oxford University Press Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins
Book SynopsisAn absorbing A-Z which explores the origins and development of over 3,000 words in the English language. Drawing on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research programme and language monitoring it brings to light the intriguing and often unusual stories of some of our most used words and phrases.Table of ContentsContents Abbreviations and Other Text Conventions Introduction Wordbuilding A-Z Glossary Sources
£21.74
Orion Publishing Co The Singing Neanderthals
Book SynopsisA fascinating and incisive examination of our language instinct from award-winning science writer Steven Mithen.Trade ReviewAn interesting attempt to probe the long-term history of feeling as well as of thought... [This] book is intelligent, important and clear. Anyone who likes to ask broad questions about intelligence, religion and experience, as well as anyone interested in long-term human history, will be able to read and argue with [this] book with enjoyment and profit. * THES (3/3/06) *There is much illuminating and thought-provoking material. -- Ross Leckie * THE TIMES *Wonderfully evocative... a highly original view of our musical origins. * GUARDIAN (1/4/06) *
£13.49
Icon Books The Horologicon: A Day's Jaunt Through the Lost
Book SynopsisFROM THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER THE ETYMOLOGICON.'Reading The Horologicon in one sitting is very tempting' Roland White, Sunday Times.Mark Forsyth presents a delightfully eccentric day in the life of unusual, beautiful and forgotten English words.From uhtceare in the hours before dawn through to dream drumbles at bedtime, The Horologicon gives you the extraordinary lost words you never knew you needed.Wake up feeling rough? Then you're philogrobolized. Pretending to work? That's fudgelling (which may lead to rizzling if you feel sleepy after lunch). A Radio 4 Book of the Week, The Horologicon is an eye-opening, page-turning celebration of the English language at its most endearingly arcane.Trade ReviewA delightfully eccentric ... illuminating new book. -- Daily MailWhether you are out on the pickaroon or ogo-pogoing for a bellibone, The Horologicon is a lexical lamppost. -- The FieldReading The Horologicon in one sitting is very tempting. -- Roland White * Sunday Times *
£8.79
Icon Books The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll Through the
Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER'Witty and erudite ... stuffed with the kind of arcane information that nobody strictly needs to know, but which is a pleasure to learn nonetheless.' Nick Duerden, Independent.'Particularly good ... Forsyth takes words and draws us into their, and our, murky history.' William Leith, Evening Standard.The Etymologicon is an occasionally ribald, frequently witty and unerringly erudite guided tour of the secret labyrinth that lurks beneath the English language.What is the actual connection between disgruntled and gruntled? What links church organs to organised crime, California to the Caliphate, or brackets to codpieces?Mark Forsyth's riotous celebration of the idiosyncratic and sometimes absurd connections between words is a classic of its kind: a mine of fascinating information and a must-read for word-lovers everywhere.'Highly recommended' SpectatorTrade Review[Forsyth] riff[s] very entertainingly on the hidden connections of words (from brackets and codpieces, to cappuccinos and monkeys). -- Robert McCrum, The GuardianI'm hooked on Forsyth's book - Crikey, but this is addictive. -- Mathew Parris, The TimesKudos should go to Mark Forsyth, author of The Etymologicon - Clearly a man who knows his onions, Mr Forsyth must have worked 19 to the dozen, spotting red herrings and unravelling inkhorn terms, to bestow this boon - a work of the first water, to coin a phrase. -- The Daily TelegraphThis year's must-have stocking filler - the angel on the top of the tree, the satsuma in the sock, the threepenny bit in the plum pudding, the essential addition to the library in the smallest room is Mark Forsyth's The Etymologicon. -- Ian Sansom, The GuardianThe stocking filler of the season. -- Robert McCrum, The ObserverWitty and erudite ... stuffed with the kind of arcane information that nobody strictly needs to know, but which is a pleasure to learn nonetheless. -- Nick Duerden, IndependentThis witty book liberates etymology from the dusty pages of the dictionary and brings it alive. -- Good Book Guide'The Etymologicon' contains fascinating facts -- Daily MailFrom Nazis and film buffs to heckling and humble pie, the obscure origins of commonly-used words and phrases are explained. -- Daily TelegraphA collection of verbal curiosities ... fascinating. -- SpectatorA perfect bit of stocking filler for the bookish member of the family, or just a cracking all-year-round read. Highly recommended. -- SpectatorLight, entertaining and fascinating ... This is really one of those books where you have to fight hard to resist telling anyone in earshot little snippets every five minutes. -- Brian CleggAn absolute gem ... a pleasure to read. -- Books MonthlyI want this book to be never-ending ... a real winner. -- Books MonthlyIt makes for a very good read ... a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who might be interested in where our words come from. -- A Common ReaderI adored this book. I read and read and then I read some more until it was all gone. It was just my cup of tea, well presented, engaging, witty, wonderful. Full of usable facts and great anecdotes, it's one of the only 'history' books I've read this year that was anything other than dull as dishwater. Full marks. -- The BookbagMark Forsyth, who blogs as 'The Inky Fool,' is an extreme and hugely entertaining practitioner. -- Financial TimesThe subtitle ... 'A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language' ... is a misdescription. It is not a stroll; it is a plunge on a toboggan where the only way to stop is to fall off. -- Financial Times
£10.44
Bodleian Library Politics and the English Language
Book SynopsisGeorge Orwell’s essay examines the power of language to shape political ideas. It is about the importance of writing concisely, clearly and precisely and the dangers to our ability to think when language, especially political language, is obscured by vague, clichéd phrases and hackneyed metaphors. In it, he argues that when political discourse trades clarity and precision for stock phrases, the debasement of politics follows. First published in Horizon in 1946, Orwell’s essay was soon recognised as an important text, circulated by newspaper editors to their journalists and reprinted in magazines and anthologies of contemporary writing. It continues to be relevant to our own age.
£9.50
Cambridge University Press Introducing Syntax
Book SynopsisPresenting key insights from contemporary syntactic theory in one clear and coherent narrative, this lively textbook provides a concise introduction to the formal theory of syntax, avoiding unnecessary detail. It is suitable for undergraduate students in linguistics, modern languages and English.Trade Review'A lucid, accessible, and deeply informed introduction that leads carefully to substantial understanding of language and linguistics. A very welcome contribution.' Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology'This introduction to syntax is a new and interesting teaching tool. The way it is conceived allows the students to get insights into the reasoning mechanisms of formal syntax that go beyond technicalities. The approach is sound and solid and also provides useful exercises and activities that help the student to start working with the basic bricks of syntactic theory acquiring at the same time the gist of linguistic analysis.' Cecilia Poletto, Goethe University, Frankfurt and University of Padua, ItalyTable of ContentsIntroduction. The language machine; 1. Categories and features; 2. Merge; 3. Theta theory; 4. Case theory; 5. Agreement and uninterpretable features; 6. Movement and remerge; 7. Unifying movement and agreement; 8. Syntax and morphology; 9. Syntax and phonology; 10. Syntax and semantics; Afterword; Glossary; References; Index.
£25.99
Guardian Faber Publishing The Language Lover’s Puzzle Book: Lexical
Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Alex's Adventures in Numberland and Can You Solve My Problems? comes a fascinating, hugely entertaining collection of puzzles for crossword addicts and language-lovers of all stripes. 'The only puzzle book I've seen that manages to befuddle both sides of the brain at the same time.'DARA Ó BRIAIN'Such fun, full of unexpected ideas and charmingly written.'TIM HARFORDThe Language Lover's Puzzle Book is a book of more than 100 surprising and entertaining puzzles that celebrate the amazing diversity of the world of words and language.Featuring a huge variety of ancient, modern and even invented languages, this collection of problems will introduce you to unusual alphabets and scripts, curious vocabularies and phonologies, and global variations in simple behaviours like counting, telling the time, and naming children.Whether you are a crossword solver, a code-breaker or a Scrabble addict, these puzzles are guaranteed to twist your tongue and sharpen your mind.'Alex Bellos is a dazzling polymath whose cleverness and ingenuity are on full display in this utterly brilliant and original collection of linguistic puzzles. This book is destined to be a classic for puzzle lovers.'JOSHUA FOER, co-founder of Atlas Obscura and author Moonwalking with Einstein'An irresistible linguistic workout - challenging and deeply satisfying.'GASTON DORREN, author of Lingo and Babel'For all the language and puzzle fans in your life!' GRETCHEN McCULLOCH'A cornucopia of ingenious and insightful challenges.' DAVID CRYSTAL'This compendium of puzzles is a great idea.' MICHAEL ROSEN'You'll love what Alex Bellos has done here.' GYLES BRANDRETH'Tantalisting.' THE ECONOMIST'The perfect way to pass the time.' BBC SCIENCE FOCUS
£9.49
Profile Books Ltd The Language Puzzle
Book Synopsis''A tour de force'' Alice Roberts''Wonderful ... A remarkably comprehensive biography of the single most important thing we all share - language'' Robin DunbarThe relationship between language, thought and culture is of concern to anyone with an interest in what it means to be human.The Language Puzzle explains how the invention of words at 1.6 million years ago began the evolution of human language from the ape-like calls of our earliest ancestors to our capabilities of today, with over 6000 languages in the world and each of us knowing over 50,000 words. Drawing on the latest discoveries in archaeology, linguistics, psychology, and genetics, Steven Mithen reconstructs the steps by which language evolved; he explains how it transformed the nature of thought and culture, and how we talked our way out of the Stone Age into the world of farming and swiftly into today''s Digital Age.While this radical new work is not shy to reject outdated ideas about language, it builds bridges between disciplines to forge a new synthesis for the evolution of language that will find widespread acceptance as a new standard account for how humanity began.
£11.69
Profile Books Ltd Spell It Out: The singular story of English
Book SynopsisWhy is there an 'h' in ghost? William Caxton, inventor of the printing press and his Flemish employees are to blame: without a dictionary or style guide to hand in fifteenth century Bruges, the typesetters simply spelled it the way it sounded to their foreign ears, and it stuck. Seventy-five per cent of English spelling is regular but twenty-five per cent is complicated, and in Spell It Out our foremost linguistics expert David Crystal extends a helping hand to the confused and curious alike. He unearths the stories behind the rogue words that confound us, and explains why these peculiarities entered the mainstream, in an epic journey taking in sixth century monks, French and Latin upstarts, the Industrial Revolution and the internet. By learning the history and the principles, Crystal shows how the spellings that break all the rules become easier to get right.Trade ReviewEntertaining ... Crystal's many examples show that the development of English spelling is as random, unsystematic and anomalous as the British constitution. English spelling is as rich a mixture of anachronism, privilege and fashion as the House of Lords * Sunday Times *A prolific author ... he can write with authority on trends in the spelling of rhubarb and indeed on the history of the spelling of any tricky word you care to mention. For him, the patterns are clear ... highly entertaining * Observer *A prolific author ... highly entertaining to read * Observer *Spectacular * Readers Digest *This masterly book is a deft guide with a light touch -- Harry Mount * TLS *A spelling book with a difference * Yorkshire Gazette and Herald *Crystal's splendid book, the latest in a long line by this prolific language truffler, proceeds chronologically, deep in learning and characteristically light on its feet. -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *A Must Read...An entertaining and fascinating study of how English spelling became so wildly inconsistent. * Sunday Times *The chaotic yet enthralling story of British spelling through the ages * Bookseller *
£10.44
Cambridge University Press The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English
Book SynopsisAn essential text for a new generation of twenty-first-century English language enthusiasts, its dual purpose as both a reference and textbook will appeal to English language lecturers and students as well as non-native English speakers. Audio resources recorded by David Crystal for this new edition bring the text to life.Table of Contents1. Modelling English; Part I. The History of English: 2. The origins of English; 3. Old English; 4. Middle English; 5. Early modern English; 6. Modern English; 7. World English; Part II. English Vocabulary: 8. The nature of the lexicon; 9. The sources of the lexicon; 10. Etymology; 11. The structure of the lexicon; 12. Lexical dimensions; Part III. English Grammar: 13. Grammatical mythology; 14. The structure of words; 15. Word classes; 16. The structure of sentences; Part IV. Spoken and Written English: 17. The sound system; 18. The writing system. Part V. Using English: 19. Varieties of discourse; 20. Regional variation; 21. Social variation; 22. Personal variation; 23. Electronic variation; Part VI. Learning About English: 24. Learning English as a mother tongue; 25. New ways of studying English.
£34.99
Penguin Books Ltd Mother Tongue The Story of the English Language
Book Synopsis''More than 300 million people in the world speak English and the rest, it sometimes seems, try to...''Only Bill Bryson could make a book about the English language so entertaining. With his boundless enthusiasm and restless eye for the absurd, this is his astonishing tour of English. From its mongrel origins to its status as the world''s most-spoken tongue; its apparent simplicity to its deceptive complexity; its vibrant swearing to its uncertain spelling and pronunciation, Bryson covers all this as well as the many curious eccentricities that make it as maddening to learn as it is flexible to use. Bill Bryson''s classic Mother Tongue is a highly readable and hilarious tale of how English came to be the world''s language.Trade ReviewNot only fascinating but extremely funny -- Angus DeaytonThe sort of linguistics I like, anecdotal, full of revelations, and with not one dull paragraph -- Ruth Rendell * Sunday Times *A gold mine of language-anecdote, information, curiosity. A suprise on every page... enthralling * Observer *Delightful, amusing and provoking... A joyful celebration of our wonderful language, which is packed with curiosities and enlightenment on every page * Sunday Express *A delightful survey - though with its good humour, wealth of anecdote, and boyish enthusiasm, "romp" would be a better word. -- David Crystal
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers Empires of the Word
Book SynopsisAn unusual and authoritative ''natural history of languages'' that narrates the ways in which one language has superseded or outlasted another at different times in history.The story of the world in the last five thousand years is above all the story of its languages. Some shared language is what binds any community together, and makes possible both the living of a common history and the telling of it.Yet the history of the world's great languages has rarely been examined. Empires of the Word' is the first to bring together the tales in all their glorious variety: the amazing innovations in education, culture and diplomacy devised by speakers in the Middle East; the uncanny resilience of Chinese throughout twenty centuries of invasions; the progress of Sanskrit from north India to Java and Japan; the struggle that gave birth to the languages of modern Europe; and the global spread of English.Besides these epic achievements, language failures are equally fascinating: why did Germany get left behind? Why did Egyptian, which had survived foreign takeovers for three millennia, succumb to Mohammed's Arabic? Why is Dutch unknown in modern Indonesia, given that the Netherlands had ruled the East Indies for as long as the British ruled India?As this book engagingly reveals, the language history of the world shows eloquently the real characters of peoples; it also shows that the language of the future will, like the languages of the past, be full of surprises.Trade Review‘It is a compelling read, one of the most interesting books I have read in a long while…a great book. After reading it you will never think of language in the same way again.’ Guardian ‘Learned and entertaining…remarkably comprehensive as well as thought-provoking.’ Observer ‘Ostler is particularly good on this linguistic fragility…This richly various book offers new insights and information for almost everyone interested in the past.’ Sunday Telegraph ‘A serious work of scholarship, but one that can be read from cover to cover by the amateur enthusiast…the breadth of this analysis is breathtaking … it does its job admirably.’ Spectator ‘Ambitious and well-researched.’ New Statesman
£18.00
British Museum Press Runes
Book SynopsisRunes employ many techniques from informal scratchings to sophisticated inlaid designs on weapons, or the exquisite relief carvings of the Franks Casket. This book tells the story of runes from their mysterious origins, their development as a script, to their use and meaning in the modern world.
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Shady Characters
Book SynopsisWhere does the ampersand get its name from? What does the hashtag have to do with commerce in ancient Rome? Keith Houston gives the answers in this delightfully entertaining book.From the pilcrow to the ampersand, the entire cast of Shady Characters reflects the changes in written communication through the ages, charting how punctuation has adapted to each new technological innovation. Together, these shady characters form a rich, entertaining and surprising history of the written word and our ongoing attempts to shape it.''Engaging typographical journeys . . . Houston brings to life a history of ingenuity and imagination'' The Times''Entertaining, informative, a must-read. If ever a book deserved its hardbacked, reverse-embossed, lavishly illustrated, thick white heavy paper incarnation, and a place on an actual bookshelf, it is Shady Characters'' Guardian''Houston brings considerable wit to the 5,000-year-old
£11.69
HarperCollins Publishers Once Upon a Prime
Book SynopsisA hugely entertaining and well-written tour of the links between math and literature. Hart's lightness of touch and passion for both subjects make this book a delight to read. Bookworms and number-lovers alike will discover much they didn't know about the creative interplay between stories, structure and sums.' Alex BellosThis exuberant book will educate, amuse and surprise. It might even add another dimension to the way you read.' The Sunday TimesWe often think of mathematics and literature as polar opposites. But what if, instead, they were fundamentally linked? In this insightful, laugh-out-loud funny book, Once Upon a Prime, Professor Sarah Hart shows us the myriad connections between maths and literature, and how understanding those connections can enhance our enjoyment of both.Did you know, for instance, that Moby-Dick is full of sophisticated geometry? That James Joyce's stream-of-consciousness novels are deliberately checkered with mathematical references? That George Eliot w
£10.44
Oxford University Press Oxford Dictionary of Idioms Oxford Quick
Book SynopsisThis dictionary defines a myriad of phrases and sayings that are used daily in the English language. It contains more than 10,000 idioms, including figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs, and features usage examples and information on origins for many of them.Trade ReviewI'm impressed with this book ... it has, so far, delivered the goods every time I've consulted it about a particular expression ... A brilliant addition to your reference collection * Terry Freedman, Writer's Know-How *Table of ContentsPreface A-Z Text Thematic Index
£12.34
Pan Macmillan A Place For Everything: The Curious History of
Book Synopsis'A delightfully quirky sturdy . . . [Flanders] is a meticulour historian with a taste for the offbeat; the story of the alphabet suits her well . . . Fascinating.' Sunday TimesOnce we've learned it as children, few of us think much of the alphabet and its familiar sing-song order. And yet the order of the alphabet continues to play a major role in our adult lives. From school registers to electoral rolls, from dictionaries and encyclopaedias to library shelves, our lives have been ordered from A to Z. Long before Google searches, this magical system of organization gave us the ability to sort through centuries of thought, knowledge and literature, allowing us to sift, file, and find the information we have, and to locate the information we need.In A Place for Everything, acclaimed historian Judith Flanders fascinatingly lays out the gradual triumph of alphabetical order, from its use as a sorting tool in the Great Library of Alexandria to its current decline in prominence in the digital age. Along the way, the reader encounters a wonderful cast of characters,from the great collector Robert Cotton, who catalogued his manuscripts by the names of the busts of the Roman emperors surmounting his book cases, to the unassuming sixteenth-century London bookseller who ushered in a revolution by listing his authors by 'sirname' first.'One of the many fascinations of Judith Flanders' book is that it reveals what a weird, unlikely creation the alphabet is.' GuardianTrade ReviewMarvellous . . . I read it with astonished delight . . . It is equally scholarly and entertaining. -- Jan MorrisQuirky and compelling . . . She is a meticulous historian with a taste for the offbeat; the story of the alphabet suits her well . . . Fascinating. -- Dan Jones * Sunday Times *A library and academic essential. -- Libby Purves * The Times *One of the many fascinations of Judith Flanders’s book is that it reveals what a weird, unlikely creation the alphabet is. -- Joe Moran * Guardian *Judith Flanders’s A Place for Everything presents itself as a history of alphabetical order, but in fact it is more than that. Rather, as the title suggests, it offers something like a general history of the various ways humans have sorted and filed the world around them – a Collison –level view of the matter, in which alphabetical order is just one system among many.’ -- Dennis Duncan * The Spectator *Judith Flanders has a knack for making odd subjects accessible . . . In A Place for Everything, the popular historian paints alphabetisation as one of our most radical acts. . . Flanders retains a sense of fun . . . finds contemporary resonance in humanity's search for order. * i *Praise for Judith Flanders' previous book, Christmas: A Biography: 'A catalogue of colourful information, and as surprising an assortment of items as any you might find heaped up under a tree.' -- Lucy Hughes-Hallett * Observer *A well-researched account. There are more footnotes here than there are presents under a Rockefeller Christmas tree. Indeed, the book is stuffed with facts – enough to satiate even the most ravenous postprandial taste for quizzing. * Sunday Times *[An] entertaining biography . . . Following the fine tradition of light entertainment Christmas books, Judith Flanders provides lots of trivia . . . However, there is much more to it than that. Flanders is a respected social historian, best known for studies on Victorian life, and the strength of this warm book lies in its quiet erudition. * The Times *Judith Flanders . . . likes Christmas (I think), but she loves reality and its awkward, amusing facts. (A previous book of hers, Inside the Victorian Home, is deep, bright and encompassing.) * New York Times *The non-fiction I most enjoyed . . . an excellent subject, carried out with exemplary care and authority. -- Philip Hensher * Spectator *
£9.99
Icon Books Gods Own Gentlewoman
Book SynopsisThe remarkable story of Margaret Paston, whose letters form the most extensive collection of personal writings by a medieval English woman. Drawing on the largest archive of medieval correspondence relating to a single family in the UK, God''s Own Gentlewoman explores what everyday life was like during the turbulent decades at the height of the Wars of the Roses. Covering topics including political conflicts and familial in-fighting, forbidden love affairs and clandestine marriages, bloody battles and sieges, fear of plague and sudden death, friendships and animosity, and childbirth and child mortality, Margaret''s letters provide us with unparalleled insight into all aspects of life in late medieval England. Diane Watt, a world expert on medieval women''s writing, offers insight into Margaret''s activities, experiences, emotions and relationships, presenting the life of a medieval woman who was at times absorbed by the mundane and domestic, but who found herself caught up in the mos
£18.00
Liverpool University Press Liverpool: A Memoir of Words
Book SynopsisIncluded in the TLS Books of the Year 2023 Written by an author brought up in working-class Liverpool in the 1960s and 1970s, Liverpool: A Memoir of Words is a work of creative non-fiction that combines the study of language in Liverpool with social history, the history of the English language and personal memoir. A beautifully written book, based on a lifetime’s academic research, it explores the relationship between language and memory, and demonstrates the ways in which words are enmeshed in history and history in words. Starting with ‘Ace’ and weaving its way alphabetically to ‘Z-Cars’, the work illustrates the deep relationship that has been forged in the past two hundred years or so between a form of language, a place and a social identity. The account is funny, sad, full of surprises and always illuminating. It tells the real history of ‘Scouse’, details the multicultural complexity of Liverpool English, examines the common use of ‘plazzymorphs’, and shows how Liverpudlian words exemplify standard processes of change and development. Neither a memoir, dictionary or history book, this work crosses different fields of knowledge in order to weave an engaging and fascinating story. It is a book that will educate and delight Liverpudlians, students of language and social historians alike.Trade Review‘Liverpool is a city that treasures words. Here Tony Crowley joyfully opens the treasure chest and holds words up to the light of history, politics, memory and love. A gold mine of a book.’ Frank Cottrell-Boyce‘Both dazzlingly erudite and refreshingly readable, Tony Crowley’s book, which is part memoir and part cultural history, brings Scouse to life, showing us with abundant humour and grace the many ways we use language and language uses us.’ Professor Deryn Rees-Jones, University of Liverpool‘By means of a lexicon of keywords in Liverpudlian English, Tony Crowley is able to interweave personal, social and linguistic history, drawing upon native wit, etymological erudition and a remarkable recollection of childhood years. Shorn of condescension and prejudice, the Liverpool vernacular with which he grew up is analysed with an accentuated sense of time and place that historians can but admire. So much more than a personal memoir, here is a significant work on the social and cultural history of Liverpool, wondrous place.’ Professor John Belchem, University of Liverpool, author of Irish, Catholic and Scouse‘As a poet from “over-the-water”, Liverpool: A Memoir of Words offers an enjoyable exploration of vernacular language. Recognising the nuanced differences, edges and boundaries between localities within a city and its wider region, Tony Crowley places emphasis on variation and change, on the many-voiced reality of Merseyside, creating a perspective on the region which is both highly specific and yet coursing with the flow of historical tides. Language shifts as does identity, and by hearing and noting these linguistic changes an account is offered of how Liverpool and the wider region reimagines itself in response to its legacy as a port city and as a coastal landscape, of being of the land and always of the water.’ Dr Eleanor Rees, Liverpool Hope University‘Who has done the most for Liverpool – the Beatles, Ken Dodd, Wayne Rooney? In scholarship the answer has to be Tony Crowley… Touching, sceptical and massively well-informed, it’s an ace book, wackers.’ John Kerrigan, Times Literary SupplementTable of ContentsIntroduction: Our Common Language Ace Bommie Cash Dekko Easy Six Footy Gobshite Hard Ippies and Ozzies Jigger Kop Liverpool Mersey Nark Ollies Proddydog Queg Rozzer Scouse Togs Us Vaults Woollyback Xy Yonks Z-Cars
£20.00
Elliott & Thompson Limited Around the World in 80 Words: A Journey Through
Book SynopsisFrom Monte Carlo to Shanghai, Bikini to Samarra, Around the World in 80 Words is a whimsical voyage through the far-flung reaches of the English language.; What makes a place so memorable that it survives for ever in a word? In this captivating round-the-world jaunt, Paul Anthony Jones reveals the intriguing stories of how 80 different places came to be immortalised in our language.; Beginning in London and heading through Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas, you'll discover why the origins of turkeys, Brazil nuts, limericks and Panama hats aren't quite as straightforward as you might presume. You'll also find out what the Philippines have given to your office in-tray; what an island with more bears than people has given to your liquor cabinet; and how a tiny hamlet in Nottinghamshire became Gotham City.; Surprising and consistently entertaining, this is essential reading for armchair travellers and word nerds. Our dictionaries are full of hidden histories, tales and adventures from all over the world - if you know where to look.Table of ContentsCONTENTS; Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi; 1. London, UK Kent Street ejectment.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1; 2. Vire, France vaudeville.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5; 3. Saverne, France zabernism.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9; 4. Spa, Belgium spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19; 5. Neander Valley, Germany Neanderthal. . . . . . . . . . . 24; 6. Amsterdam, Netherlands ampster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28; 7. Copenhagen, Denmark Great Dane. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31; 8. Oslo, Norway Oslo breakfast.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35; 9. Ytterby, Sweden yttrium.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39; 10. Helsinki, Finland Finlandisation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43; 11. Dubna, Russia dubnium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46; 12. Balaklava, Ukraine balaclava. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51; 13. Istanbul, Turkey turkey.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55; 14. Nicosia, Cyprus copper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58; 15. Abdera, Greece Abderian laughter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61; 16. Sofia, Bulgaria buggery.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64; 17. Skopje, Macedonia macedoine.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67; 18. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Balkanisation.. . . . 70; 19. Zagreb, Croatia cravat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73; 20. Kocs, Hungary coach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77; 21. Rakow, Poland Racovian.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80; 22. Jachymov, Czech Republic dollar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83; 23. Kahlenbergerdorf, Austria calembour. . . . . . . . . . . . 87; 24. Magenta, Italy magenta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90; 25. Jura Mountains, France/Switzerland Jurassic. . . . . . 94; 26. Monte Carlo, Monaco Monte Carlo fallacy. . . . . . . . 97; 27. Porto, Portugal port.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100; 28. Jerez de la Frontera, Spain sherry.. . . . . . . . . . . . 104; 29. Gibraltar Siege of Gibraltar.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106; 30. Tangier, Morocco tangerine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108; 31. Algiers, Algeria Algerine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111; 32. Canary Islands canary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114; 33. Timbuktu, Mali Timbuktu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117; 34. Conakry, Guinea guinea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120; 35. Brazzaville, Congo conga.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123; 36. Stellenbosch, South Africa Stellenbosch.. . . . . . . . . 125; 37. Mocha, Yemen mocha.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128; 38. Cairo, Egypt fustian.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130; 39. Bethlehem, Palestine bedlam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134; 40. Mount Nebo, Jordan Pisgah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137; 41. Samarra, Iraq appointment in Samarra.. . . . . . . . . . 139; 42. Qumis, Iran Parthian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141; 43. Bukhara, Uzbekistan buckram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144; 44. Kabul, Afghanistan Afghanistanism. . . . . . . . . . . . 148; 45. Deolali, India doolally.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151; 46. Colombo, Sri Lanka serendipity.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155; 47. Samut Songkhram, Thailand Siamese twins. . . . . . . 158; 48. Phnom Penh, Cambodia gamboge. . . . . . . . . . . . . 162; 49. Shanghai, China Shanghaiing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164; 50. Shangdu, China Xanadu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167; 51. Kagoshima, Japan satsuma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170; 52. Manila, Philippines Manila paper.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 173; 53. Makassar, Indonesia antimacassar. . . . . . . . . . . . . 175; 54. Tasmania, Australia vandemonianism.. . . . . . . . . . . 178; 55. Karitane, New Zealand Karitane.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 182; 56. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands bikini.. . . . . . . . . . . 185; 57. Klondike, Canada Klondike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188; 58. Admiralty Island, Alaska, USA hooch.. . . . . . . . . . 191; 59. Hollywood, California, USA Hollywood no.. . . . . . . 193; 60. Jalap, Mexico jalapeno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196; 61. San Jose, Costa Rica Panlibhonco. . . . . . . . . . . . . 199; 62. Panama City, Panama Panama hat.. . . . . . . . . . . . 202; 63. Lima, Peru Lima syndrome.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205; 64. Stanley, Falkland Islands Falklands effect.. . . . . . . . 209; 65. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Brazil nut.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 211; 66. Cayenne, French Guiana cayenne pepper. . . . . . . . . 216; 67. Daiquiri, Cuba daiquiri cocktail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218; 68. Hamilton, Bermuda Bermuda.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221; 69. Buncombe, North Carolina, USA bunkum.. . . . . . . 224; 70. New York, USA tuxedo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227; 71. Toronto, Canada Toronto blessing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 230; 72. Labrador, Canada Labrador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233; 73. Geysir, Iceland geyser.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236; 74. Limerick, Ireland limerick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239; 75. Dublin, Ireland donnybrook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243; 76. Glasgow, UK Glasgow magistrate.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 246; 77. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Newcastle programme. . . . 251; 78. Gotham, UK Gothamite.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255; 79. Coventry, UK send to Coventry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259; 80. Porlock, UK person from Porlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263; Epilogue.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267; Select bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269; Acknowledgements.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
£11.69
Bodleian Library It's All Greek: Borrowed Words and their
Book SynopsisMost of us are aware that words such as geometry, mathematics, phobia and hypochondria derive from ancient Greek, but did you know that marmalade, pirate, sketch and purse can also trace their linguistic origins back to the Athens of 500 bce? This book offers a word-by-word look at the influence of Greek on everyday words in English, telling the stories behind the etymological developments of each example and tracing their routes into modern English via Latin and European languages. It also explains connections with ancient Greek culture, in particular mythology, politics and warfare, and includes proverbs and quotations from Greek literature. Taken together, these words show how we are deeply indebted to the language spoken in Athens 2,500 years ago for the everyday vocabulary we use when conducting our daily business.Trade Review'This book is an etymologist's dream.' * Training Language and Culture *
£11.69
Taylor & Francis Ltd Global Englishes
Book SynopsisRoutledge English Language Introductions cover core areas of language study and are one-stop resources for students. Assuming no prior knowledge, books in the series offer an accessible overview of the subject, with activities, study questions, sample analyses, and commentaries.Global Englishes, Fourth Edition has been fully revised and updated and provides an introduction to the subject that is both accessible and comprehensive.Key features of this best-selling textbook include:â coverage of the major historical, linguistic, and sociopolitical developments in the English language from the start of the seventeenth century to the present day;â exploration of the current debates in Global Englishes, relating to its uses as a post-colonial language in Asia and Africa, a mother tongue in the US, UK, and Antipodes, and lingua franca across the globe, with a strong emphasis on China;â new material on Latin America, English as a lingua franca, and English medium instruction;â a range of texts, data, and examples drawn from emails, tweets, and newspapers;â readings from key scholars including Alastair Pennycook, Henry Widdowson, and Lesley Milroy;â updated online support material providing additional materials that are closely linked to each unit of the book.Global Englishes, Fourth Edition provides a dynamic and engaging introduction to this fascinating topic and is essential reading for all students studying global Englishes more broadly, English as a Lingua Franca specifically, and the factors involved in the spread of English in the world today.
£33.24
Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale Cat Got Your Tongue
Book SynopsisA vibrantly illustrated collection of cat-related proverbs and idioms collected from around the world?by the New York Times bestselling author of Tiny But Mighty, beloved by millions online as the Kitten Lady.There?s more than one way to get the job done, or as they say in Finland, ?There are many ways, said Grandma, while wiping the table with a cat. . . .?In this charming, gift-worthy collection, renowned kitten rescuer, humane educator, and author Hannah Shaw shares 60 feline-focused phrases gathered during her worldwide travels as an animal advocate. Perfect for cat lovers, language nerds, and avid travelers, Cat Got Your Tongue? presents each saying in its native language along with an English translation, a simple explanation of its meaning and use, and a delightful illustration by New Yorker cartoonist Sophie Lucido Johnon. For example:? Portuguese: ?Quem não tem cão caça com gato? or ?One who has no dog hunts with a cat? (we must make do with the resources we have)? Yiddish: ?Vern zol fun dir a blintshik, un di kats zol dikh khapn,? or ?May you turn into a blintz and be snatched by a cat? (a curse expressing ill will)? Dutch: ?De kat op het spek binden,? or ?tie the cat to the bacon? (to forbid something that?s very tempting, like kids with a cookie jar)Featuring proverbs from India, France, China, Malaysia, Turkey, Holland, and many more?in languages from Arabic to Spanish?this enchanting little book reveals the central role that cats play in cultures everywhere, whether to impart a wise piece of advice, insult a rude neighbor, or as they say in Romania, to ?look like the cat at a calendar? (appear very confused).
£11.69
Penguin Putnam Inc The Art of Language Invention
Book Synopsis
£16.19
Penguin Books Ltd The Kings English
Book SynopsisAn indispensable companion for readers, writers, and even casual users of the language, the Penguin Modern Classics edition of Kingsley Amis''s The King''s English features a new introduction by Martin Amis.The King''s English is Kingsley Amis''s authoritative and witty guide to the use and abuse of the English language. A scourge of illiteracy and a thorn in the side of pretension, Amis provides indispensable advice about the linguistic blunders that lie in wait for us, from danglers and four-letter words to jargon and even Welsh rarebit. If you have ever wondered whether it''s acceptable to start a sentence with ''and'', to boldly split an infinitive, or to cross your sevens in the French style, Amis has the answer - or a trenchant opinion. By turns reflective, acerbic and provocative, The King''s English is for anyone who cares about how the English language is used.Kingsley Amis (1922-1995), born in London, wrote poetry, criticism, and short Trade ReviewA terrific book ... learned, robust, aggressive, extremely funny -- Sebastian Faulks
£9.49
Dundurn Group Ltd Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy
Book SynopsisPull up a bollard and get to know the colourful language of the Royal Canadian Navy.Do you ever get channel fever so bad only a great homeward bounders will cure you? Have you ever met Tug Wilson the brass-pounder, Dusty Miller the blanket stacker, or Nobby Clark the stoker? From aback to zizEX, the second edition of Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy gives readers a chance to fill their boots with the colourful language of Canada's senior service. Learn the difference between duff and no duff, box kickers and gut robbers, and Nelson's blood and Neptune's dandruff. Newly revised and expanded, with over 2,500 terms included!Trade ReviewToday’s RCN needs this book as a bridge between the experienced sailors and the new entries ... An outstanding resource! * — Chief Petty Officer Chris Radimer (retired) *It’s wonderful to see such an outstanding collection of the words and phrases I have passed on to many young sailors in my forty-three years of naval service. * — Chief Petty Officer Fred Haight (retired) *A delightful read, for both mariners and non-mariners alike! Despite having over 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, I learned a few new terms reading this book. The author, who first introduced me as a very green Ordinary Seaman to the Naval world, has done a wonderful job capturing the unique nature of Naval speak. I would recommend this book to any new and even seasoned sailors to gain a better understanding of life at sea. * — Commander Jason Karle, OIC Sea Training (Atlantic) – Patrol, RCN *
£12.59
Chronicle Books Other Wordly
Book SynopsisDiscover words to surprise, delight, and enamor. Learn terms for the sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees, for dancing awkwardly but with relish, and for the look shared by two people who each wish the other would speak first. Other-Wordly is an irresistible gift for lovers of words and those lost for words alike.
£9.89
Ig Publishing Doublespeak
Book Synopsis
£16.19
Oxford University Press The Oxford Dictionary of Original Shakespearean
Book SynopsisThis dictionary is the first comprehensive description of Shakespearean original pronunication (OP), enabling practitioners to deal with any queries about the pronunciation of individual words. It includes all the words in the First Folio, transcribed using IPA, and the accompanying website hosts sound files as a further aid to pronunciation.Trade ReviewThis unique book, the result of more than a decade of research, offers a careful, nuanced account of the sounds and rhythms of individual words, as they might have sounded to the audiences of Shakespeares day, revealing rhymes and puns that are often lost or unclear in many varieties of Present Day English (PDE). In doing so, it provides fresh insights into Shakespeares work for a wide range of readers. * Sarah Grandage, Early Theatre *Crystal presents his robust, careful research, drawing together insights from linguistics, Shakespearean studies, and theatre practice, with his typical clarity and user-friendly style, repaying both targeted queries and meandering browsing ... [The book] provides insights for a wide range of users beyond theatre makers, including scholars, teachers, and students, the wider early modern heritage industry, as well as linguists with an interest in phonology, sociolinguistics, or stylistics. * Sarah Grandage, Early Theatre *Crystals work definitely surpasses all of the expectations that one could have of a magnum opus such as this one, which can definitely be considered as a must-have reference book for all of those interested in the language of Shakespeare. This dictionary is unquestionably another masterpiece by this British linguist. * Pablo Tagarro Melón and Nerea Suárez González, Clomputense Journal of English Studies *Crystal's unique dictionary joins his other worthy Shakespearean language works to form an essential collection covering the language of the Bard. * R. A. Aken, University of Kentucky *A whole linguistic world is anatomised by David Crystal ... * Spectator *fascinating * Stratford-on-Avon Observer *Crystal has looked to capture the state of our language at the time when Shakespeare was writing ... he has achieved something quite remarkable. * The Bookbag *Table of ContentsPART I: INTRODUCTION; PART II: THE DICTIONARY
£26.09
Penguin Books Ltd How Language Works
Book SynopsisIn this fascinating survey of everything from how sounds become speech to how names work, David Crystal answers every question you might ever have had about the nuts and bolts of language in his usual highly illuminating way. Along the way we find out about eyebrow flashes, whistling languages, how parents teach their children to speak, how politeness travels across languages and how the way we talk show not just how old we are but where we're from and even who we want to be.
£11.69
Penguin Putnam Inc Shortcut: How Analogies Reveal Connections, Spark
Book Synopsis
£14.39
John Murray Press English for the Natives: Discover the Grammar You
Book Synopsis'My first English lesson was grammar with the terrifying Mrs Petrie. She spent the entire time marching up and down the classroom, thwacking various items of school furniture with a ruler while she banged on about the ING part of the verb. I sat there, vibrating with fear, desperately trying to figure out what on earth she could mean. Irregular Negative Gerund? Intransitive Nominative Genitive? It was only years later, when I was teaching English to foreign students, that I realised that English grammar wasn't obscure and wilfully difficult but a fascinating subject which I was already brilliant at - and this book will prove that you are too.'Forget the little you think you know about English grammar and start afresh with this highly entertaining and accessible guide. English for the Natives outlines the rules and structures of our language as they are taught to foreign students - and have never before been explained to us. Harry Ritchie also examines the grammar of dialects as well as standard English and shows how non-standard forms are just as valid. With examples from a wide variety of sources, from Ali G to John Betjeman, Margaret Thatcher to Match of the Day, this essential book reveals some surprising truths about our language and teaches you all the things you didn't know you knew about grammar.Trade ReviewRitchie's approach to English grammar in this entertaining book on the subject is a relief * Sunday Times *This informative read reassures that mastering our language is easier than it seems * Mail on Sunday, Paperback of the Week *A hugely entertaining read, full of attitude and verve and sharp running jokes. And underneath all this lies rigorous linguistic heft, which gives the book real authority * Daily Mail *I learnt a lot about my own language from English for the Natives, and about how our language and our understanding of the world have developed in tandem. And I particularly appreciated Harry Ritchie's bold dismantling of the metaphysics of Chomskyan structuralism. Wonderful to have such a fresh first-hand observation of how language actually works * Michael Frayn *Clear, trenchant, funny, Ritchie makes thinking a pleasure * John Carey *Essential reading * Nick Hornby *An engaging response to an educational disaster . . . This book is sensible, valuable and written with a sense of fun * TLS *How many new books are there about words, grammar and language? Nonetheless, Harry Ritchie's English for the Natives leaps to the top of the pile for its sharp, good sense, linguistic rigour [and] sense of humour -- Marcus Berkmann * The Spectator *On the pleasantly scholarly end of the word book spectrum. Informed by linguistics, it has a particularly good discussion of the controversy between "innatists" (following Chomsky) and others * Guardian *
£9.49
Oxford University Press Inc Word Origins... and How We Know Them
Book SynopsisWord Origins is the only guide to the science and process of etymology for the layperson. This funny, charming, and conversational book not only tells the known origins of hundreds of words, but also shows how their origins were determined. Liberman, an internationally acclaimed etymologist, takes the reader by the hand and explains the many ways that English words can be made, and the many ways in which etymologists try to unearth the origins of words. Part history, part how-to, and completely entertaining, Word Origins invites readers behind the scenes to watch an etymologist at work.Trade ReviewProf. Liberman's excellent book would make a fine Christmas present for anyone interested in the history of the English language. * Irish Times, *
£14.39
Vagabond Voices In Praise of the Garrulous
Book SynopsisThis first and only work of non-fiction by the author of two novels, two collections of short stories and a collection of poetry, has an accessible and conversational tone, which perhaps disguises its enormous ambition. It not only deals with the origins of language to argue its centrality to humanity and the naturalness of bilingualism and multilingualism, but examines how writing and printing built on that centrality to develop the "social mind" - the sum of knowledge within any given society. More recent technological changes have undermined the importance of language in society, and could possibly damage psychological health and society at large. All the arguments are couched in a sceptical approach, and the author principally wants to initiate a debate rather than give a defining analysis of a complex subject. Each chapter is introduced by a short story that illustrates the argument of that chapter.Trade Review"...there is so much here that is important ... and his humanity so winning and welcome, ..." "A deeply reflective, extraordinarily wide-ranging meditation on the nature of language, infused in its every phrase by a passionate humanism" - Terry Eagleton "I like In Praise of the Garrulous very much indeed, not only because it says a good many interesting and true things, but because of its tone and style. Its combination of personal passion, observation, stories, poetic bits and serious expert argument, expressed as it is in the prose of an intelligent conversation: all this is ideal for holding and persuading intelligent but non-expert readers. In my opinion he has done nothing better." - Eric Hobsbawm "This is a brilliant tour de force, in space and time, into the origins of language, speech and the word. From the past to the present you are left with strong doubts about the Idea of Progress and our superiority as a modern, indeed at times post-modern, society over the previous generations. Such a journey into the world of the word needs an articulate and eloquent guide: Allan Cameron is both and much more than that." - Ilan Pappe; "Weaving effortlessly from classical literature to the modern day, In Praise of the Garrulous takes language back from the domain of the pedants and reinstates our proudest achievement at the heart of human society." - Lesley Riddoch "In Praise of the Garrulous is a diverting, chewy read, its tone simultaneously chatty, professorial and even vatic. There are some interesting ideas" - The Sunday HeraldTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Silence, like gold, is the currency of the powerful (an examination of the relationship between language and power) 2. The birth of language (the origins and language as means to story knowledge) 3. Words are a gift from the dead (language is the product of historical happenchance and the cumulative efforts of individuals over generations) 4. The creation of the social mind (the "social mind", a key concept in the author's argument) 5. Big is not beautiful, but merely more profitable (minority languages do the same things as dominant one, but the economies of scale are driving them into extinction) 6. Register (a neglected subject: the disappearance of register over the last thirty years) 7. The need for a lingua franca and its inherent dangers (powerful international languages are necessary lingua frances, but they are a danger to cultural diversity and themselves) 8. Conclusion
£11.95
Taylor & Francis Ltd The Cultural Politics of English as an
Book SynopsisA much-cited and highly influential text by Alastair Pennycook, one of the world authorities in sociolinguistics, The Cultural Politics of English as an International Language explores the globalization of English by examining its colonial origins, its connections to linguistics and applied linguistics, and its relationships to the global spread of teaching practices. Nine chapters cover a wide range of key topics including: international politics colonial history critical pedagogy postcolonial literature. The book provides a critical understanding of the concept of the worldliness of English', or the idea that English can never be removed from the social, cultural, economic or political contexts in which it is used. Reissued with a substantial preface, this Routledge Linguistics Classic remains a landmark text, which led a much-needed critical and ideologically-informed investigatiTable of ContentsPreface Author's acknowledgementsPublishers' acknowledgements1. The world in English2. Discourse and dependency in a shifting world3. English and colonialism: origins of a discourse4. Spreading the word/disciplining the language5. ELT from development aid to global commodity6. The worldliness of English in Malaysia7. The worldliness of English in Singapore8. Writing back: the appropriation of English9. Towards a critical pedagogy for teaching English as a worldly languageReferencesIndex
£45.59
Nick Hern Books Tip of the Tongue: Reflections on Language and
Book SynopsisA thoughtful and deeply personal book by a master theatre-maker. In Tip of the Tongue, Peter Brook takes a charming, playful and wise look at topics such as the subtle, telling differences between French and English, and the many levels on which we can appreciate the works of Shakespeare. Brook also revisits his seminal concept of the 'empty space', considering how theatre – and the world – have changed over the span of his long and distinguished career. Threaded throughout with intimate and revealing stories from Brook's own life, Tip of the Tongue is a short but sparkling gift from one of the greatest artists of recent times.Trade Review'Engaging and thought-provoking… Brook is constantly enthralled but never daunted by contemplation of the art he serves, as this short work shows with grace and eloquence' * Shakespeare Survey *'A gem… like sitting down with Brook after a meal… this simple and accessible book contains insights and lessons from someone who has lived and breathed theatre for over seventy years' * Drama Magazine *'Full of aphoristic wisdom' * Guardian *'Short, sweet and brimming with wise saws and modern instances' * The Stage *'Peter Brook's exploration of words, theatre and everything attached is loving and heartfelt, taking his readers on a journey through his experiences and giving meaning to what he's seen and done' * Broadway World *'Filled with wisdom… devotees will be enchanted by the great director’s latest ruminations on language and the theatre' * British Theatre Guide *
£10.44
Reaktion Books A History of Reading
Book SynopsisTracing the complete story of reading from the age when symbol first became sign through to the electronic texts of the present day, Steven Roger Fischer's fascinating A History of Reading offers a sweeping view across time and geography of our evolving relationship with text. Turning to ancient forms of reading, Fischer takes us to Asia and the Americas and discusses the forms and developments of completely divergent writing systems and scripts. With the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East, innovative reinventions of reading emerged--silent and liturgical reading; the custom of lectors; a focus on reading in general education--whereupon printing transformed society's entire attitude toward reading. Fischer charts the explosion of the book trade, its increased audience, and radically changed subject-matter in this era. He also describes the emergence of broadsheets, newspapers, and public readings and traces the effect of new font designs on general legibility, and much more. Finally, Fischer assesses a future in which read communication will likely exceed oral communication through the use of the personal computer and the internet. Looking at "visual language" and modern theories of how reading is processed in the human brain, he asks how the New Reader can reshape reading's fate--suggesting a radical new definition of what reading could be.Trade Review"It's an exciting story, which the author tells clearly and chronologically."--Daily Telegraph "Of the three volumes in Fischer's hugely ambitious and sedulously executed trilogy, the first two dealt with language and writing. This one, however, is the most suggestive and open, dedicated not only to the technicalities of his subject but to the everyday experience of communication. . . . Fischer lets his historical readers speak for themselves, ceaselessly seduced by textual magic."--Independent "Starting from the Bronze Age and ending with modern emails and a possible future of e-books, Fischer's A History of Reading takes in a wonderful diversity of things."--Nature
£11.99
Profile Books Ltd How Language Began: The Story of Humanity’s
Book SynopsisIn his groundbreaking new book Daniel Everett seeks answers to questions that have perplexed thinkers from Plato to Chomsky: when and how did language begin? What is it? And what is it for? Daniel Everett confounds the conventional wisdom that language originated with Homo sapiens 150,000 years ago and that we have a 'language instinct'. Drawing on evidence from a wide range of fields, including linguistics, archaeology, biology, anthropology and neuroscience, he shows that our ancient ancestors, Homo erectus, had the biological and mental equipment for speech one and half million years ago, and that their cultural and technological achievements (including building ocean-going boats) make it overwhelmingly likely they spoke some kind of language. How Language Began sheds new light on language and culture and what it means to be human and, as always, Daniel Everett spices his account with incident and anecdote. His book is convincing, arresting and entertaining.Trade ReviewVery few books on the biological and cultural origin of humanity can be ranked as classics. I believe that Daniel Everett's How Language Began will be one of them. -- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard UniversityHow Language Began occupies a rare literary space that explains complex issues clearly to general readers while being an original contribution to scholarship...the arguments he marshals and insights he provides are impressive...anyone interested in language would gain from reading this book. -- Oliver Kamm * Times *Ambitious...the subject-matter is completely enthralling...Everett is at the very top of his intellectual game. -- Harry Ritchie * Spectator *Important and fascinating -- Adrian Woolfson * Prospect *Everett is skilled at leavening an intellectually challenging treatise with humor ... A worthy book for general readers * Kirkus Reviews *When I first became interested in cultural evolution, cognitive revolutionaries would say that Noam Chomsky had proved that an innate language acquisition device was the key to linguistics. Daniel Everett is a leader of the counterrevolution that is putting culture and cultural evolution back at the center of linguistics, and cognition more generally, where I think it belongs. How Language Began is an accessible account of the case for a culture-centered theory of language. -- Peter Richerson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California DavisPraise for Language: The Cultural Tool: 'A book whose importance is almost impossible to overstate. * Sunday Times *Revelatory. There is nothing about humans that is quite as astonishing as language. * Guardian *Impressively modest and reasoned. * Economist *The most important - and provocative - anthropological field work ever undertaken. -- Tom WolfePraise for Don't Sleep, There are Snakes: 'A worldwide bestseller that finds no competition from linguistic researchers. * New Scientist *A remarkable book. It is written with an immediacy even a Piraha might envy, and its conjunction of physical and intellectual adventure is irresistible. * Sunday Times *
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Motherfoclóir: Dispatches from a not so dead
Book SynopsisBestseller & Winner of the Popular Non-Fiction Irish Book Award. 'Thought-provoking, irreverent and often laugh-out-loud hilarious' Irish Independent. "Motherfoclóir" [focloir means 'dictionary' and is pronounced like a rather more vulgar English epithet] is a book based on the popular Twitter account @theirishfor. As the title suggests, Motherfoclóir takes an irreverent, pun-friendly and contemporary approach to the Irish language. The translations are expanded on and arranged into broad categories that allow interesting connections to be made, and sprinkled with anecdotes and observations about Irish and Ireland itself, as well as language in general. The author includes stories about his own relationship with Irish, and how it fits in with the most important events in his life. This is a book for all lovers of the quirks of language.Trade ReviewA completely fresh take on the Irish language * Irish Examiner *Full of familiarity, of nostalgia, of humour and warmth. The author's voice really brings the book and the language to life - he somehow manages to remove all the boring aspects, and replaces them in with rich stories, with quirks, with colour and poignancy... I'll be recommending it heartily' -- Sara Baume, author of Spill Simmer Falter Wither and A Line Made By WalkingÓ Séaghdha picked an opportune time for his grá for Gaeilge to flower among a receptive readership * Irish Examiner *A fun book on a great subject * Sunday Business Post *It's thought-provoking, irreverent and often laugh-out-loud hilarious * Irish Independent *A lot of fun if you're a bit of a nerd for etymology. It sneakily teaches you Irish in a big-hearted way * Irish Independent, Books of the Year *It takes an irreverent, pun friendly and contemporary approach to the Irish language and it's a book for all lovers of the quirks of the Irish language * Tullamore Tribune *
£9.49
Oxford University Press The English Language
Book SynopsisThe English language is spoken by more than a billion people throughout the world. But where did English come from? And how has it evolved into the language used today?In this Very Short Introduction Simon Horobin investigates how we have arrived at the English we know today, and celebrates the way new speakers and new uses mean that it continues to adapt. Engaging with contemporary concerns about correctness, Horobin considers whether such changes are improvements, or evidence of slipping standards. What is the future for the English language? Will Standard English continue to hold sway, or we are witnessing its replacement by newly emerging Englishes?ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewA lively and erudite introduction to the richness and variety of our language from one of the world's leading experts on English usage and its history. Professor Horobin does more than survey he argues for an open and welcoming approach to the diversity of the vernacular, to the debates on grammar and standards, and to the challenges of change and variation in our own lives. A book for students, teachers, and all lovers of language alike. * Seth Lerer, author of History of the English Language *Intelligent, witty, and engaging, the book is for anyone who is interested in how English became what it is today and who is wondering where it will go next. * Tim William Machan, University of Notre Dame *Review from previous edition Simon Horobin's marvellous How English Became English ... should be handed to every pedant you know. * Jonathan Wright, Books of the Year 2016, Catholic Herald *In this concise narrative of the history of the English language, Horobin analyzes historical context just enough to unfurl the object called 'English.' * Library Journal, starred review *A happy mixture of scholarship, clear writing, and humour * Kirkus *There's a lot of detailed information in this succinct book and it's very readable * Susan Elkin, Independent on Sunday *informative and entertaining new book * Oliver Kamm, The Times *Horobin is ... on a laudable and ... interesting mission to educate the wider public. * Faramerz Dabhoiwala, Guardian *We all have our hobbyhorses when it comes to the finer points of English grammar. Simon Horobin's witty book provides the antidote to our pedantry. * Jonathan Wright, Herald *Horobin's succinctness is impressive * Times Literary Supplement *Distilling an inexhaustible topic into 170 short pages. Horobin gives an unstuffy guide to the descent, dialects and global diversification of English. Pragmatic rather than pedantic, he eschews grammarian finger-wagging in favour of some pointers on why we still care about getting it 'right'. * Oxford Today *this book was as good as expected * The Bookbag *Horobin clearly loves the English language, but unlike many self-proclaimed language experts, he is not fearful of what the future of English may hold ... How English Became English reminds me what it was that I found so fascinating about the English language. * Jenny Hallquist, Babel *Table of Contents1: What is English? 2: Origins 3: Authority 4: Standards 5: Varieties 6: Global English 7: Why do we care? References Further Reading Index
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc The Secret Life of Pronouns: What Our Words Say
Book SynopsisA surprising and entertaining explanation of how the words we use (even the ones we don''t notice) reveal our personalities, emotions, and identities.In The Secret Life of Pronouns, social psychologist and language expert James W. Pennebaker uses his groundbreaking research in computational linguistics-in essence, counting the frequency of words we use-to show that our language carries secrets about our feelings, our self-concept, and our social intelligence. Our most forgettable words, such as pronouns and prepositions, can be the most revealing: their patterns are as distinctive as fingerprints.Using innovative analytic techniques, Pennebaker X-rays everything from John McCain''s tweets to the Federalist Papers. Who would have predicted that the high school student who uses too many verbs in her college admissions essay is likely to make lower grades in college? Or that a world leader''s use of pronouns could reliably presage whether he will lead his country into war? You''ll learn what Lady Gaga and William Butler Yeats have in common, and how Ebenezer Scrooge''s syntax hints at his self-deception and repressed emotion in this sprightly, surprising tour of what our words are saying-whether we mean them to or not.
£13.49
Bodleian Library Babel: Adventures in Translation
Book SynopsisThis innovative collection of essays shows how linguistic diversity has inspired people across time and cultures to embark on adventurous journeys through the translation of texts. It tells the story of how ideas have travelled via the medium of translation into different languages and cultures, focusing on illustrated examples ranging from Greek papyri through illuminated manuscripts and fine early books to fantasy languages (such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish), the search for a universal language and the challenges of translation in multicultural Britain. Starting with the concept of Babel itself, which illustrates the early cultural prominence of multilingualism, and with an illustration of a Mediterranean language of four millennia ago (Linear A) which still resists deciphering, it goes on to examine how languages have interacted with each other in different contexts. The book also explores the multilingual transmission of key texts in religion, science (the history of Euclid), animal fable (from Aesop in Greek to Beatrix Potter via La Fontaine, with some fascinating Southeast Asian books), fairy-tale, fantasy and translations of the great Greek epics of Homer. It is lavishly illustrated with a diverse range of material, from papyrus fragments found at Oxyrhynchus to Esperanto handbooks to Asterix cartoons, each offering its own particular adventure into translation.Table of ContentsCONTENTS Foreword 1 Babel: Curse or Blessing? (Matthew Reynolds) 2 ‘Debabelization’: Creating a Universal Language (Dennis Duncan) 3 Translating the Divine (Matthew Reynolds) 4 An Epic Journey: Translating Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey (Stephen Harrison) 5 Translating Tales: Beast-fables around the World (Stephen Harrison) 6 Traversing Realms of Fantasy (Katrin Kohl) 7 Negotiating Multilingual Britain (Katrin Kohl) 8 Languages Lost in Time (Dennis Duncan) Notes Further Reading Acknowledgements Index
£19.00
Princeton University Press The Dictionary Wars
Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"
£15.29
