With dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson — the acclaimed author of The Lost Continent — brilliantly explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience and sheer fun of the English language. From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can’t), to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an … story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world’s largest growth industries.
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Bill Bryson is one of my favorite authors. I have read most of his books and enjoyed them all. He had a great gift for describing the people he encounters on his journeys and his personal views of the places he visits.
A great escape on a dreary day is a book by Bill Bryson. You will laugh out loud and be inspired to travel, even if it the “armchair” variety. His wit and insight is addicting.
I read this book years ago and it is still one of my favorites. The English language is so quirky and Bryson explains so much without being boring. Anyone who enjoys reading and the beauty of language should enjoy this book.
A terrific read by a first rather raconteur and humorist. A very serious topic made totally acceptable. Brilliant!
Always a fan of Mr. Bryson……
As with all the books I’ve read by Bill Bryson, this one did not fail to inform and entertain me.
Bryson is the best! I’ve never been disappointed by any of his books.
Not as page-turning as the travel books, but considering the subject matter that is understandable. Should be compulsory reading for all authors and editors. The only thing that worried me a little was a really major inaccuracy concerning one of the languages in South Africa, my home country. It made me wonder if I should take everything else at face value-
A few of the “facts” about the French language turned out not to be true when tested with French speakers. Still, it would be a massive effort to completely fact check this book that makes history and linguistics accessible. Read this book because you want a better grasp of the English language.
A fascinating history of English and its origins written with humor, clarity and lots of interesting
Information about how our language developed and continues to grow.
WAY more interesting and entertaining than you would think.
I’m a language geek so it was fascinating to me.
Bill Bryson writes very engaging books, but this was not his best.
I love all of Bill Bryson’s books.
Breezy and informative, classic Bryson.
Really interesting. Except the chapter that had all the verbs, participles, adjectives, etc. lost me on the chapter but the rest was great ,
It’s Bill Bryson. If there’s a better writer I am not aware of him/her. An original and always entertaining and informative. This is no exception.
Non-fiction – an overview of English and how it developed. Very interesting.
Bill Bryson never ceases to entertain!! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the English language through Bryson’s unique and very engaging content delivery style!!
Quite informative
Not as “fun” as some of his other books, but very interesting.