Description
Seth Lerer tells a masterful history of the English language from the age of Beowulf to the rap of Eminem. Though many have written about the evolution of English grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, only Lerer situates these developments within the larger history of the language, America, and literature. This edition features a new chapter on the influence of biblical translation and an epilogue on the relationship of English speech to writing. A unique blend of historical and personal narrative, Inventing English is the surprising tale of a language that is as dynamic and innovative as the people to whom it belongs.
About the Author
Seth Lerer is Distinguished Professor of Literature and the former Dean of Arts and Humanities at the University of California, San Diego. He is known nationally for his audio and videotape series, The History of the English Language, for the Teaching Company.
Reviews
The book percolates with creative energy and will please anyone intrigued by how our richly variegated language came to be. Publishers Weekly Nonspecialists will join scholars in praising this remarkable linguistic investigation. -- Bryce Christensen Booklist An important and valuable source for anyone who loves the English language, and language in general. -- Gale Zoe Garnett Toronto Globe & Mail Written with real authority, enthusiasm, and love for our unruly and exquisite language. -- Michael Dirda The Washington Post A wonderful book. It's not hard to find well-informed books about the history of the English language, and it's not hard to find good critical accounts of English literature, but to have the two intertwined in one book is remarkable. Language Hat Interesting and informative. -- Tom Oleson Winnipeg Free Press A personal, selective and impassioned journey through the history of English. Times Higher Education Supplement Lerer not only navigates the shifting currents and boiling rapids of English, but also explores its secret coves. -- Rob Kyff Advocate [An] elegant book. -- Karenn Krangle Vancouver Sun A fresh look at the history of the English language. -- Cynthia Lee Katona Magill Book Reviews Inventing English is an invigorating read for the mind and the mouth. Bloomsbury Review Fun and illuminating. -- Carol White The Main Artery This absorbing book provides sufficient information about linguistics and early English language and literature for clarification... Essential. Choice Erudite and accessible. [Lerer] brings both love and rigour to his subject. -- Gale Zoe Garnett Globe & Mail An unusual linguistic and literary feast. -- Anne Curzan Michigan Quarterly Review The casual, witty, and sometimes provocative style in which the book is written provides a very apt vehicle for this very personal account. -- Tim William Machan Journal of English and Germanic Philology
Awards
Commended for Honorable Mention - PSP Awards for Excellence in Literature, Language, and Linguistics 2008.
Book Information
ISBN 9780231137942
Author Seth Lerer
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press