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Reviews'David Crystal's scholarship is seemingly boundless, and faultless in every respect. The result is an awesome scholarly creation, very well suited to the learning styles of our times, and an extraordinary reference and lending bargain at its price of 17.95.' Reference Reviews, 'The Cambridge Encyclopedia of English Language (is) perhaps the most brilliant book of the past ten years...what makes it most impressive is that this stupendous work of scholarship, which combines physiology, philology and literary criticism, is, unbelievably, the work of one sole author.' Globe and Mail (Canada), "...a superb work that manages to be both scholarly and vastly entertaining. A deeply impressive book....the most entertaining and informative browsing book of the summer, as well as a first-rate introduction to contemporary thinking about language." Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World, "...very attractively produced....The breadth of the presentation is stimulating....[an] entertaining and informative encyclopedia." Notes on Linguistics, "The clear and spirited text is stunning, enhanced with over 500 illustrations, making this a particularly rich reference work and a browser's dream...Crystal has created an attractive and readable work for the lay reader as well as the specialist." Library Journal, "...lives up to the reputation of other resources published under the Cambridge imprint and will make an excellent addition to the collections of large public libraries and all academic libraries." Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin, "...bedazzles you with an eye-popping presentation of the cluck-clucking of the mother tongue. If you like fireworks with your information, this is a worthwhile language book..." William Safire, The New York Times Magazine, 'David Crystal's scholarship is seemingly boundless, and faultless in every respect. The result is an awesome scholarly creation, very well suited to the learning styles of our times, and an extraordinary reference and lending bargain at its price of £17.95.' Reference Reviews, "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language [is] perhaps the most brilliant book of the past 10 years...what makes it most impressive is that this stupendous work of scholarship, which combines physiology, philosophy, and literary criticism, is unbelievably, the work of one sole author." Toronto Globe and Mail, ‘David Crystal’s scholarship is seemingly boundless, and faultless in every respect. The result is an awesome scholarly creation, very well suited to the learning styles of our times, and an extraordinary reference and lending bargain at its price of £17.95.’Reference Reviews, 'David Crystal is phenomenal … (This) is a prodigious achievement … The book combines breadth of range, imaginative insight, deep understanding and … is pervasively readable and stimulating.' Lord Randolph Quirk, 'The Cambridge Encyclopedia of English Language (is) perhaps the most brilliant book of the past ten years...what makes it most impressive is that this stupendous work of scholarship, which combines physiology, philology and literary criticism, is, unbelievably, the work of one sole author.' Globe and Mail, "...the most diverting, delightful, imaginative and altogether entertaining compilation ever assembled about spoken and written English....you can have an enjoyable time browsing through these pages and even learn a bit along the way." Herbert Kupferberg, Parade, 'David Crystal is phenomenal ... (This) is a prodigious achievement ... The book combines breadth of range, imaginative insight, deep understanding and ... is pervasively readable and stimulating.' Randolph Quirk (Professor the Lord Quirk, FBA), ‘David Crystal is phenomenal … (This) is a prodigious achievement … The book combines breadth of range, imaginative insight, deep understanding and … is pervasively readable and stimulating.’Randolph Quirk (Professor the Lord Quirk, FBA), ‘The Cambridge Encyclopedia of English Language (is) perhaps the most brilliant book of the past ten years...what makes it most impressive is that this stupendous work of scholarship, which combines physiology, philology and literary criticism, is, unbelievably, the work of one sole author.’Globe and Mail (Canada), "This is more than an encyclopedia; it is also a compendium of wonderful anecdotes and illustrations. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language should be at the top of the list for purchases in all library language/literature collections." Reference Book Review
SynopsisA revolution in language publishing Superbly illustrated in colour throughout, this is the most comprehensive reference book on the history, structure and worldwide use of English ever written. Clear and accessible, the book abounds with insights into how the language evolved and how it works. All aspects of English are covered: * the history of English * grammar, pronunciation and spelling * spoken and written English * regional and social variations - accents and dialects * new words, jargon, slang and clichés * English in use - in science, law, politics, advertising, the media ... * the huge range and creativity of the English vocabulary * language in literature and language in humour * teaching and learning the language * English as a world language * the future of English Photographs, advertisements, cartoons, quotations, newspaper cuttings, poems, anecdotes and examples vividly complement the text throughout, bringing life, surprise and humour to even the most complex topics. No language student or language lover should be without this unique and fascinating book., English is arguably the nearest thing we have to a world language, and yet it is a language with a wealth of varieties, dialects, and traditions, all developing in different ways and at different speeds. This book is a superbly written and illustrated exploration of the history, structure, and use of English throughout the world. World-renowned linguist and author, David Crystal, explores the many facets and varieties of the English language, bringing life to this large and complex subject. He begins with the origins of English in Anglo-Saxon times and follows the growth of the language to the present. Every major English-speaking country is included, and the book abounds with insights into how English evolved and how it works. The author pays particular attention to the use of language in literature and how it permeates humor. He allows language to "speak for itself" by using quotations, photographs, newspaper clippings, poems, advertisements, cartoons, and many other types of illustrative material that vividly complement his narrative. Author Crystal systematically covers the structural features of English, and includes a complete description of grammar, a summary of pronunciation and writing systems, and a thorough treatment of the size and complexity of vocabulary. He explains technical aspects in simple and accessible terms and includes a glossary to assist the reader with unclear language terminology. Highly visual with striking color illustrations, panels and boxed features throughout, this book is fascinating reading for the widest possible audience. David Crystal is the author of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language (CUP, 1987) and the editor of The Cambridge Encyclopedia (CUP, 1990, 1994)., Superbly illustrated in colour throughout, this is the most comprehensive survey of the history, structure and worldwide use of English ever written. Clear and accessible, the book abounds with insights into how the language evolved and how it works. All aspects of English are systematically covered.
LC Classification NumberPE1072 .C68 1995