by Bill Bryson
First published 2015
Bill Bryson examines how English transformed from what he calls an inadequate tongue of peasants into a worldwide linguistic powerhouse. The acclaimed author of The Lost Continent applies his characteristic wit and insight to explore the language's quirky history and unexpected resilience. Bryson starts with basic human anatomy, explaining why the larynx's position allows people to speak while dogs cannot. He moves through English's peculiar development, covering everything from historical eccentricities to the declining art of creative profanity. The book reveals how a second-rate language evolved into one of the planet's major growth industries. Bryson combines linguistic scholarship with entertaining storytelling, making complex language evolution accessible and often hilarious. Readers discover the surprising origins of everyday speech and the remarkable journey of English across continents and centuries.
Genres: language, non-fiction, linguistics, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: informative, scholarly
320 pages · ebook · William Morrow Paperbacks