search for books and compare prices
Price
Store
Arrives
Preparing
Shipping
The price is the lowest for any condition, which may be new or used; other conditions may also be available. Rental copies must be returned at the end of the designated period, and may involve a deposit.
Bibliographic Detail
Publisher
Avery Pub Group
Publication date
October 27, 2009
Pages
256
Binding
Paperback
Book category
Adult Non-Fiction
ISBN-13
9781592404940
ISBN-10
1592404944
Dimensions
0.50 by 5 by 7.50 in.
Weight
0.40 lbs.
Original list price
$16.00
Amazon.com says people who bought this book also bought:
Words on the Move: Why English Won't - and Can't - Sit Still (Like, Literally) | The Power of Babel | The Adventure of English | What Language Is | The Unfolding of Language | Empires of the Word | The Story of English
Words on the Move: Why English Won't - and Can't - Sit Still (Like, Literally) | The Power of Babel | The Adventure of English | What Language Is | The Unfolding of Language | Empires of the Word | The Story of English
Summaries and Reviews
Amazon.com description: Product Description: A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar
Why do we say âI am reading a catalogâ instead of âI read a catalogâ? Why do we say âdoâ at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Language distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.
Covering such turning points as the little-known Celtic and Welsh influences on English, the impact of the Viking raids and the Norman Conquest, and the Germanic invasions that started it all during the fifth century ad, John McWhorter narrates this colorful evolution with vigor. Drawing on revolutionary genetic and linguistic research as well as a cache of remarkable trivia about the origins of English words and syntax patterns, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue ultimately demonstrates the arbitrary, maddening nature of Englishâ and its ironic simplicity due to its role as a streamlined lingua franca during the early formation of Britain. This is the book that language aficionados worldwide have been waiting for (and no, itâs not a sin to end a sentence with a preposition).
Why do we say âI am reading a catalogâ instead of âI read a catalogâ? Why do we say âdoâ at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Language distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.
Covering such turning points as the little-known Celtic and Welsh influences on English, the impact of the Viking raids and the Norman Conquest, and the Germanic invasions that started it all during the fifth century ad, John McWhorter narrates this colorful evolution with vigor. Drawing on revolutionary genetic and linguistic research as well as a cache of remarkable trivia about the origins of English words and syntax patterns, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue ultimately demonstrates the arbitrary, maddening nature of Englishâ and its ironic simplicity due to its role as a streamlined lingua franca during the early formation of Britain. This is the book that language aficionados worldwide have been waiting for (and no, itâs not a sin to end a sentence with a preposition).
Editions
Hardcover
from Gotham Books (October 30, 2008)
9781592403950 | details & prices | 230 pages | 5.00 × 7.50 × 1.00 in. | 0.76 lbs | List price $22.50
About: A survey of the English language's usage mysteries considers the ways in which English developed and how it may reflect cultural values, in a reference that covers such topics as Celtic and Welsh influences, the origins of specific syntax patterns, and the role of language in forming early Britain.
About: A survey of the English language's usage mysteries considers the ways in which English developed and how it may reflect cultural values, in a reference that covers such topics as Celtic and Welsh influences, the origins of specific syntax patterns, and the role of language in forming early Britain.
Paperback
The price comparison is for this edition
from Avery Pub Group (October 27, 2009)
9781592404940 | details & prices | 256 pages | 5.00 × 7.50 × 0.50 in. | 0.40 lbs | List price $16.00
About: A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammarWhy do we say “I am reading a catalog” instead of “I read a catalog”?
About: A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammarWhy do we say “I am reading a catalog” instead of “I read a catalog”?
Pricing is shown for items sent to or within the U.S., excluding shipping and tax. Please consult the store to determine exact fees. No warranties are made express or implied about the accuracy, timeliness, merit, or value of the information provided. Information subject to change without notice. isbn.nu is not a bookseller, just an information source.