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Mother Tongue Paperback book

Mother Tongue

by Bill Bryson

How did English, 'treated for centuries as the inadequate and second-rate tongue of peasants' become the undisputed global language? How did words like shampoo, sofa and rowdy (and others drawn from over fifty languages) find their way into our dictionary? In this revealing and often hilarious book, Bill Bryson examines the mother tongue and explores the countless varieties of English and the perils of marketing brands with names like Pschitt and Super Piss. With entertaining sections on the oddities of swearing and spelling, spoonerisms and Scrabble, and a consideration of what we mean by 'good English', Mother Tongue is one of the most stimulating books yet written on this endlessly engrossing subject.

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Witty and informative survey of the history, usage and many varieties of English. Originally published: London: Hamish Hamilton: 1990. Bibliography: p249-255. -Includes index. See more details about Mother tongue: the English language

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Size: 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall; With entertaining sections on the oddities of swearing and spelling, spoonerisms and Scrabble, and a consideration of what we mean by 'good English', Mother Tongue is one of the most stimulating books yet written on this endlessly engrossing subject. Creasing to covers, 269 pages Post Typically 1-2 days UK, 2-7 days Worldwide. See more details about The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way

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Published by Penguin in 1999. Paperback. Number of pages: 288. Condition: Good. Used book but in Good Condition for sensible price. With Index. Shipped from UK. Delivery is usually 2-3 working days from order by Royal Mail, International Delivery is by Airmail. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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Originally published: London: Hamish Hamilton: 1990. Bibliography: p249-255. -Includes index. See more details about Mother tongue: the English language

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Minor shift to spine Slight cover wear with minor scuffing to edges Minor marking present on pages Past exposure to moisture warping GoodwillnyBooks is committed to providing each customer with the highest standard of customer service. You may return new items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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This book is in good condition. Minimal wear and tear. This item was a donation to Goodwill of Greater Washington. Thank you for your purchase. Your order will be processed within 2 business days of receipt. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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Ships from the UK. Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. Your purchase also supports literacy charities. See more details about The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way

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Our books are dispatched from Bridgend, South Wales. Your Satisfaction Guarenteed. See more details about Mother Tongue: English Language

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Ex library. tHE EDGE OF THE BOOK ARE BROWN ACCORDING TO THE AGE. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! See more details about Mother Tongue: English Language

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Dispatched from the uk. See more details about Mother Tongue: English Language

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Dispatched same day from warehouse with delivery normally 7-12 days from date of order. See more details about Mother Tongue: English Language

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Size: 7"-8" Tall. Quantity Available: 1. Category: Humour World History ISBN: 014014305x Inventory No: 005866. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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This 1990 paperback edition is BRAND NEW UNUSED book. See more details about The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way

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Pages are tight, bright and clean. Binding very firm and straight, sewn signatures. Boards, spine, edges and corners very good. No apparent wear. If needed for reference, research, analysis, lucubration or just enjoyment, this is the one. 270 pages, selected bibliography & indexed. Jacket in a crystal-clear polyester protector sleeve. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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Hamish Hamilton, London, 1990. Hard Cover, 8vo, First Edition. Book Condition: Good Plus. Light edgewear. Moderate foxing edges. Boards and interior very clean and tight. Dust jacket: Good plus. Light edgewear. Not Clipped. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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A witty, irreverent but very useful account of the peculiarities of the English language. This book is designed to appeal to all lovers of language and history. The author also wrote The Lost Continent, Book of Blunders and Dictionary of Troublesome Words. ISBN10: 014014305X. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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Please note that deliveries to addresses in the UK and Europe will be in 4-14 business days. Other countries should refer to Alibris standard times. A witty, irreverent but very useful account of the peculiarities of the English language. This book is designed to appeal to all lovers of language and history. The author also wrote The Lost Continent, Book of Blunders and Dictionary of Troublesome Words. ISBN10: 014014305X. See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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1990 hardcover copy (William Morrow & Co), 270 pp. Dust jacket clean, spine tight. Pages clean and unmarked. Moderate DJ edge wear. Out of print edition of a classic. Ships now. SB5. See more details about The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way

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014014305X ADULT PBS (04/01/2001) Weight: 205g. / 0.45lbs Great Customer Service! See more details about Mother Tongue: the English Language

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8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" Tall. Signed. By Author See more details about Mother Tongue

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