English is the collective work of millions of people throughout the ages. It is democratic, ever-changing and ingenious in its assimilation of other cultures. English runs through the heart of world finance, medicine and the...

Buy Now From Amazon

English is the collective work of millions of people throughout the ages. It is democratic, ever-changing and ingenious in its assimilation of other cultures. English runs through the heart of world finance, medicine and the Internet, and it is understood by around two thousand million people across the world. Yet, it was very nearly wiped out in its early years. In this book Melvyn Bragg shows us the remarkable story of the English language; from its beginnings as a minor guttural Germanic dialect to its position today as a truly established global language. Embracing elements of Latin, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi and Gullah, this 1500-year story covers a huge range of countries and peoples. "The Adventure of English" is not only an enthralling story of power, religion and trade, but also the story of people, and how their day-to-day lives shaped and continue to change the extraordinary language that is English.

Similar Products

The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You AreA Literary ChristmasOne Wild Bird at a Time: Portraits of Individual LivesThe Anatomy of Peace, Expanded Second Edition: Resolving the Heart of ConflictThe Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior Is Almost Always Good PoliticsGrunt: The Curious Science of Humans at WarThe Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life