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The Adventure of English
The Adventure of English: The Biography of a Language | Melvyn Bragg
11 posts | 13 read | 26 to read
A history of the English language traces its evolution from a Germanic dialect around 500 A.D. to its modern form, noting the influence of such groups and individuals as early Anglo-Saxon tribes, Alfred the Great, and William Shakespeare.
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Daisey
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Day 5 of 7: Books that made a lasting impression on me

This book makes for a perfect combination between a love of history and words. I find the ever changing English language fascinating to learn about, and this is my favorite book so far on the topic.

#7days7books

59 likes1 stack add
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Chrissyreadit
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Anyone else love non fiction? And podcasts? I want to stack almost every book they talk about in this episode!

IamIamIam Gotta check to see if this is on TuneIn! Thanks! 7y
MallenNC I love this podcast and the nonfiction episode is right up my alley! 7y
minkyb This is an every week great podcast! 7y
See All 9 Comments
CouronneDhiver All the time! 7y
Weaponxgirl Yes and yes. This podcast always has me scrambling to read new books. I love that when something crazy happens in a podcast you aren't going but that won't really happen but instead making noises on your own going "that REALLY happened?!" 7y
Weaponxgirl Ugh I meant happens in non fiction 7y
Chrissyreadit @Weaponxgirl totally agree! 7y
Chrissyreadit @MallenNC @minkyb it is an excellent podcast overall! 7y
Dragon A great podcast! I‘ve read so many books thanks to their recommendations.🐉 7y
83 likes9 comments
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GoneFishing
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They were good on words for a drunk. Even before the Revolution, Benjamin Franklin listed 229!

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GoneFishing

America became very confident in its own English language. A witty resolution was proposed in the House of Representatives in 1820 suggesting they educate the English in their own language: . . . Resolved, therefore, that the nobility and gentry of England be courteously invited to send their elder sons and such others as may be destined to appear as politic speakers in Church and State to America for their education

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GoneFishing

The masculine pronouns are he, his and him But imagine the feminine she, shis and shim! So our English, I think you‘ll all agree Is the trickiest language you ever did see.

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Daisey
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Pickpick

I took a while to listen to this, but I enjoyed it so much! It is full of countless interesting facts about the history of the English language. I would love to see it in print for the spelling, but I also loved hearing the pronunciation I never would have gotten right reading the print myself.

Finished today during #miniDewey #readathon and #LitsyPartyofOne

#nonfiction #audiobook

melrailey I watched his videos by this name in college. So very good. Watch them if you can find them. 8y
36 likes5 stack adds1 comment
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Daisey
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This book is absolutely fascinating, and the author quoted from the section of Northanger Abbey that I read last night in what I've listened to today. I'm listening while cleaning up all the sticks in my yard since it will soon be time to mow grass. Pairing this work and audiobook with a Strongbow seems a good way to start #LitsyPartyofOne this evening.

#audiobook #nonfiction #BooksandBooze

Lmstraubie Great picture ☺ 8y
Daisey @Lmstraubie Thanks, it was a beautiful evening! 8y
39 likes2 comments
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Daisey
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I'm listening to this incredibly interesting book about the history of the English language while cleaning my kitchen after church today. Coincidentally, this chapter is about Wycliffe's work to translate the Bible into English and make it accessible to the common people. There are times I would like a print copy In order to see the spelling comparison, but I do appreciate hearing all of the pronunciation.

#nonfiction #audiobook

Smrloomis Sounds fascinating! 8y
CouronneDhiver Sounds very interesting! By the way, I love that mug/bowl rack in the background. ☕️ 8y
Jinjer Love the colorful mugs in a rack!!!! 8y
Daisey @Smrloomis @CouronneDhiver @Jinjer It really is fascinating to hear about all the different influences on English over time! These huge mugs actually make perfect bowls that I use constantly and got from World Market. I actually bought another set for a friend for Christmas because they're so great. 8y
42 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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SGJ
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How tell you're forever an English major: this is the book you drive slower for, so you can sneak another minute or two in.

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Oblomov26
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Pickpick

Always been fascinated by the histories of languages and when this came up on discount on Audible it was a must buy. Also the basis of a TV series which I have seen part of, this is a page turning homage to the English language and its ability to adapt, absorb and survive threats throughout it history despite all of it's annoying idiosyncrasies.

Hamlet I have a whole bookcase of books on language (all in storage at the moment). You've found a good one here. By the way, I loved the book Oblomov. Great choice for a name. 8y
46 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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howjessicareads
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"We shall fight on the beaches..." Loving this so far!