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Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology
The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and...
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global
*A FINANCIAL TIMES , GUARDIAN AND TLS BOOK OF THE SUMMER* 'The fascinating story of ancient words ... new revelations await' The Guardian 'A magisterial feat' New Scientist ________________________________ One...
Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and
'A hugely entertaining and well-written tour of the links between math and literature. Hart's lightness of touch and passion for both subjects make this book a delight to read. Bookworms...
The Complete Guide to Japanese Kanji: (JLPT All Levels) Remembering
The Complete Guide to Japanese Kanji is a unique study guide that provides a comprehensive introduction to all the kanji characters on the Japanese Ministry of Education's official Joyo (General...
Australia's Original Languages: An introduction
'A must read for all who would like to understand the languages and culture of Indigenous Australians.' Dr Ernie Grant, Elder of the Jirrbal nation When Captain Cook landed at...
Interesting Stories about Curious Words: From Stealing Thunder to Red
Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown 's Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES...
The Life of Samuel Johnson
A landmark in Boswell and Johnson studies In Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson, one of the towering figures of English literature is revealed with unparalleled immediacy and originality, in a...
Dictionary of Fine Distinctions: Nuances, Niceties and Subtle Shades
'Delightful' Steven Pinker 'A joy to read' David Crystal Swamp or bog? Guilt or shame? Poisonous or venomous? We pick from a wealth of words to express ourselves each day,...
You Can't Always Say What You Want: The Paradox of Free Speech
The freedom to think what you want and to say what you think has always generated a pushback of regulation and censorship. This raises the thorny question: to what extent...
The Deorhord: An Old English Bestiary
'Invaluable - and hugely entertaining ... It is an absolute romp and a must-have for history and fantasy enthusiasts alike' - Eleanor Janega'Endlessly fascinating'- the SpectatorOld English was spoken over...
How Languages Work: An Introduction to Language and Linguistics
Language is a sophisticated tool which we use to communicate in a multitude of ways. Updated and expanded in its second edition, this book introduces language and linguistics - presenting...
The Grammar of Angels: A Search for the Magical Powers of Language
'Ingenious... a glorious portrait of the great 15th-century prince of learning' Daily Telegraph 'A deeply fascinating, sui generis book by a brilliant scholar-writer, which uses the life story of a...
How Language Works
David Crystal's How Language Works is a fascinating tour through the world of language from one of today's most renowned experts. It ranges over everything from how children learn to...
Poetics of Relation
douard Glissant's most celebrated, scintillating philosophical work - which sets out a new poetic vision for the world 'We cry our cry of poetry. Our boats are open, and we...
Aitchison's Linguistics: A practical introduction to contemporary
This classic book is a straightforward introduction to linguistics which attempts to answer two fundamental questions: 'What is language?' and 'How does language work?' It outlines the scope of linguistics,...
Dictionary of Fine Distinctions: Nuances, Niceties and Subtle Shades
'Delightful' Steven Pinker 'A joy to read' David Crystal Swamp or bog? Guilt or shame? Poisonous or venomous? We pick from a wealth of words to express ourselves each day,...
The Language Puzzle: How We Talked Our Way Out of the Stone Age
'A tour de force' Alice Roberts'Wonderful ... A remarkably comprehensive biography of the single most important thing we all share - language' Robin DunbarThe relationship between language, thought and culture...
That's The Way It Crumbles: The American Conquest of the English
Are we tired of hearing that fall is a season, sick of being offered fries and told about the latest movie? Yeah. Have we noticed the sly interpolation of Americanisms...
A Little Book of Language
A lively journey through the story of language, from an infant's first word to the languages of the internet Language never leaves you alone. It's there in your head, helping...
The Pocket Cockney Rhyming Slang: The Original
Conventionally, a cockney is anyone born 'within the sound of Bow Bells' (St Mary-le-Bow church, in London), but rather than fixating on Dirty Den from Eastenders, Dickensian villains or Pearly...
English Grammar: Understanding the Basics
Looking for an easy-to-use guide to English grammar? This handy introduction covers all the basics of the subject, using a simple and straightforward style. Students will find the book's step-by-step...
Terraglossia
You won't find 'terraglossia' on Google, or in a dictionary. It's a word coined by acclaimed academic and award-winning author Dr Debra Dank in response to the first Europeans' description...