A Kirkus Reviews “New and Notable Title”, April2012
In this unique new history of the world’s most ubiquitous language, linguistics expert David Crystal draws on words that best illustrate the huge variety of sources, influences, and events that
have helped to shape our vernacular since the first definitively English word was written down in the fifth century (“roe,” in case you are wondering). Featuring Latinate and Celtic words, weasel
words and nonce-words, ancient words (“loaf”) to cutting-edge words (“twittersphere”), and spanning the indispensable words that shape our tongue (“and,” “what”) to the more fanciful (“fopdoodle”),
Crystal takes us along the winding byways of language via the rude, the obscure, and the downright surprising.
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
“Crystal’s enthusiasm for—and wealth of knowledge about—the
ever-evolving English language makes this a must-read for word lovers.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A delight you shouldn’t miss…Ideal for the commute or a daily round, Crystal’s one hundred brisk chapters are uniquely suited for audiobook consumption, rich in pith and humor, and a total treat.”
—AudioFile
“Throughout, Crystal highlights the playfulness of English
and its refusal to take itself too seriously. Snack-sized chapters with
banquet-sized satisfaction.”
—Kirkus Reviews
David Crystal is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. In 1995 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the English language. He
lives in the United Kingdom.
Titles by Author
Details
Details
Format:
CD
Format:
Library CD
Format:
Playaway
Available Formats :
CD, Library CD, Playaway
Category:
Nonfiction
Publisher:
Blackstone Publishing
Publisher:
Blackstone Publishing
Publisher:
Blackstone Publishing
CDs:
7
CDs:
7
CDs:
1
Runtime:
7.94
ISBN:
9781445865195
ISBN:
9780792791546
ISBN:
9780792792192
Audience:
Adult
Language:
English
To listen to this title you will need our latest app
Due to publishing rights this title requires DRM and can only be listened to in the Blackstone Library app
DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a copyright protection for digital media. While much of Blackstone Library’s content is DRM free, and allows for usage across platforms, select products on Blackstone Library are required by publishers to have DRM protected files. These products will be playable exclusively on the BlackstoneLibrary.com apps, available for iOS and Android devices.
To listen to this title you will need our latest app
1614931721
1569533170
We use cookies to improve our website and give you the best service possible. By using our website, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn more here.