Customer Reviews

Words Words Words

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

PERFECTLY written by an author who knows the language upside down. Crystal takes seemingly boring topics such as etymology, lexicology... and makes them interesting, educative, and entertaining. His writing style is appealing and 'simple' such that anybody can read it without being bogged down.
He has subtle advices for wannabe word-detectives, too. You are assured to be entertained from the very first word... you will love it.

... what's in every book in every library in the world: words!
I found this book quite thought-provoking about how we impose word usage based on our perceived "authority" or influence over those writing or speaking them.
And, why we or "they" deliberately create language that rebels.
Overall, Crystal convinces me that we are all a bit richer for it!

WORDS WORDS WORDS
It was the first time that I have ever read a book by David Crystal. Although I am not an English native speaker I think that Crystal has a straightforward way to write even to those - like me- who are not familiar with language business.
It is a book to read and reread. I recommend.
Laura Oldenburg
Rio de Janeiro- Brazil

For such a short read this book really covers a lot of ground in a very fun and informal way. The chapter lay-out is well structured and although it gives general knowledge on many categories, it tells you where you can find more information on each subject. Highly recommended for high schoolers and adults alike.

This is a book that's perfect for reading in bits and pieces, and enjoyable enough on those terms. (Crystal does an especially good job writing for both UK and US audiences.) But it doesn't hold up for more serious use. Since there is no documentation--no footnotes or endnotes, not even a bibliography--it's impossible to check the author's claims. Crystal repeats (without attribution) an urban legend about the origin of "404" on page 7, and I therefore took his claims in the rest of the book with a grain of salt. This is not the level of careful research or presentation I expect from someone with Crystal's credentials.

Good little book about a guy who loves words and shares his an all around perspective to other in this brief book.

This book is not only well-written, but also well designed, making it a perfect gift for any scholarly type on your gift list. And if that includes you, then go hog wild and get one for yourself.