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Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing
by Essinger, James
- Used
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- ISBN 10
- 0385340842
- ISBN 13
- 9780385340847
- Seller
-
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Bantam Dell Pub Group. Used - Very Good.
Synopsis
Welcome to the illogical, idiosyncratic, outrageous linguistic phenomenon known as the English language. The story of how this ragtag collection of words evolved is a winding tale replete with intriguing accidents and bizarre twists of fate. In this eye-opening, fabulously entertaining book, James Essinger unlocks the mysteries that have confounded linguists and scholars for millennia.From the sophisticated writing systems of the ancient Sumerians through the tongue twisters of Middle English, the popular National Spelling Bee, and the mobile phone text-messaging of today, Spellbound chronicles the fascinating history of English spelling, including insights about the vast number of words English has borrowed from other languages ("orange," "vanilla," and "ketchup," to name a few), and how their meanings differ from country to country. Featuring a lively cast of characters ranging from the fictional to the historically noteworthy (Chaucer, Samuel Johnson, Noah Webster, Shakespeare, Bill Gates), this affectionate tribute to English spelling shows why our whimsical, capricious common language continues to hold us spellbound.From the Trade Paperback edition.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Russell Books Ltd
(CA)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- FORT738052
- Title
- Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing
- Author
- Essinger, James
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10
- 0385340842
- ISBN 13
- 9780385340847
- Publisher
- Bantam Dell Pub Group
- This edition first published
- May 1, 2007
Terms of Sale
Russell Books Ltd
For further information - (250) 361-4447 (GST applied to all Canadian orders). Shipping prices are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. Canadian and U.S. orders sent with Automated Package Tracking and delivery confirmation, where available. If your book order is heavy or over-sized, we may contact you regarding any extra shipping costs.
About the Seller
Russell Books Ltd
Biblio member since 2006
Victoria, British Columbia
About Russell Books Ltd
Family owned and operated since 1961. Located in Downtown Victoria selling new, used, and remainder titles in all categories. We also have an extensive selection of Journals, cards and calendars.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- PUB
- Common abbreviation for 'published'
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