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Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing Secrets of English Spelling
by Essinger, James
- Used
- Condition
- UsedVeryGood
- ISBN 10
- 0385340842
- ISBN 13
- 9780385340847
- Seller
-
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
UsedVeryGood. Cover/Case has some rubbing and edgewear. Access codes, CD's, slipcovers and other accessories may not be included.
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
- Goodwill
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 2Y6JCI008YVV_ns
- Title
- Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing Secrets of English Spelling
- Author
- Essinger, James
- Book Condition
- UsedVeryGood
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10
- 0385340842
- ISBN 13
- 9780385340847
- Publisher
- Delta
- This edition first published
- May 1, 2007
Terms of Sale
Goodwill
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives damaged or not as described.
Address changes and cancellations after shipment may result in only a partial refund amount that does not include shipping postage. This also applies to returns/refunds made for discretionary returns.
Address changes and cancellations after shipment may result in only a partial refund amount that does not include shipping postage. This also applies to returns/refunds made for discretionary returns.
About the Seller
Goodwill
Biblio member since 2021
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
About Goodwill
The mission of Goodwill Easter-Seals Minnesota is to assist people with barriers to education, employment and independence in achieving their goals. We envision strong communities where all people are economically self-sufficient.More than a store...we prepare people for work.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Rubbing
- Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.
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