Inventing English: A Portable History Of The Language

Description

Seth Lerer tells a masterful history of the English language from the age of Beowulf to the rap of Eminem. Many have written about the evolution of grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, but only Lerer situates these developments within the larger history of English, 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 as the people to whom it belongs.

Reviews

"A personal, selective, and impassioned journey through the history of English."--Times Higher Education Supplement"An invigorating read for the mind and the mouth."--Bloomsbury Review"Lerer not only navigates the shifting currents and boiling rapids of English, but also explores its secret coves."--Advocate"[A] remarkable linguistic investigation."--Booklist"Written with real authority, enthusiasm, and love for our unruly and exquisite language."--Washington Post"The book percolates with creative energy and will please anyone intrigued by how our richly variegated language came to be."--Publishers Weekly"Erudite and accessible."--Globe & Mail"An unusual linguistic and literary feast."--Michigan Quarterly Review

Author description

Seth Lerer taught at Princeton University before moving to Stanford University, where he is the Avalon Foundation Professor in the Humanities. The author of many books and articles on medieval and Renaissance literature, he is known nationally for his audio and videotape series, The History of the English Language, for the Teaching Company.