Description
A unique journey through English spelling, untangling the fascinating origins of its greatest eccentricities.
About the Author
David Crystal is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He has written many books and articles in fields ranging from forensic linguistics and ELT to the liturgy and Shakespeare. He is the author of The Story of English in 100 Words [9781846684272], published by Profile, and his Stories of English is a Penguin Classic.
Reviews
Entertaining ... Crystal's many examples show that the development of English spelling is as random, unsystematic and anomalous as the British constitution. English spelling is as rich a mixture of anachronism, privilege and fashion as the House of Lords * Sunday Times *
A prolific author ... he can write with authority on trends in the spelling of rhubarb and indeed on the history of the spelling of any tricky word you care to mention. For him, the patterns are clear ... highly entertaining * Observer *
A prolific author ... highly entertaining to read * Observer *
Spectacular * Readers Digest *
This masterly book is a deft guide with a light touch -- Harry Mount * TLS *
A spelling book with a difference * Yorkshire Gazette and Herald *
Crystal's splendid book, the latest in a long line by this prolific language truffler, proceeds chronologically, deep in learning and characteristically light on its feet. -- Marcus Berkmann * Daily Mail *
A Must Read...An entertaining and fascinating study of how English spelling became so wildly inconsistent. * Sunday Times *
The chaotic yet enthralling story of British spelling through the ages * Bookseller *
Book Information
ISBN 9781846685682
Author David Crystal
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Profile Books Ltd
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 240g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 28mm