Fry's English Delight: Series 2 [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

I have to admit that this CD set was not what I was expecting. I had hoped, like many reviewers here it seems, for an amusing and interesting look at language with Fry interspersing little known facts with his trademark wry humour, much like he does on the show QI. However, this is a much more serious and earnest look at language than I anticipated.

If you are really fascinated by the development of certain forms of language and the way it changes over time, then you will probably enjoy this and find it educational. However, if talk of split infinitives, Latin traditions, where the `subject' should come in sentances and the suggestions of the Spelling Reform Society don't float your boat then this is not for you.

It's also worth saying that Stephen Fry features in probably at most fifty per cent of these programmes, with the rest of the time being given to various lecturers or experts in grammar. Fry holds it together nicely and of course he is quite easy to listen to, and he does add the odd sprinkling of gently amusing commentary, but the other contributors are all strictly business.

If you fancy concentrating hard, listening closely and learning lots then these CDs should please you, but if you are looking for easy listening and some classic Fry humour then you'd be best to look elsewhere, as like me you will at the most find these O.M.I. - Only Mildly Interesting.

I can see it now - the reviews for this CD are mostly going to say something to the effect of 'Good, but doesn't live up to its predecessor'. Having listened to the previous one, I wholeheartedly agree: this isn't as good as the previous one...

...But then there's the competition. There are many fine audio CD's out there, but few so engaging, entertaining and enlightening (in equal measure). And none have the poise & balance of Stephen Fry who seems to be a master of Taoist principles (i.e. never being too much of any one thing).

To give you an idea of what you'll get, here are the sections in order:

1) So Wrong It's Right.
This is an interesting section on the evolution of language and how 'wrong' use of language can often become right as people start using the mistakes (e.g. the split-infinitive on Star Trek: 'To Boldly Go'). Somehow not quite up to the peerless brilliance of the first Series, this section still has a lot of interesting material, such as Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo (a complete, grammatical English sentence for reasons detailed on the CD).
On top of this, this episode also explores how English is different depending on situation (e.g. Courtroom or Boardroom). Curiously, it further includes an interview with an Academie Francaise rebel, who has chosen to put English words and different spelling of French words in a French language dictionary since "A dictionary is an observatory, not a conservatory".

2) Speaking Proper.
I found this one better than the first as it explores a vital subject in English: how to communicate effectively. In my humble opinion it should be played to every schoolchild and migrant to our shores as it details how to clearly transmit ideas, without mispronunciation and sloppy use of language. This episode covers elocution, accents, voice control and delivery, outlining how to educate yourself in better speech patterns.

3) Hello.
Like 1), this isn't quite as brilliant as series one, but still interesting. Here the origins of the word 'Hello' are explored, including all the different greetings that can be used in English and how they can be used in a myriad of different ways.
Naturally it includes Leslie Phillips classic 'Hello' from the Carry On films, as well as Cabin Crew whose job consists of saying 'Hello' approximately 1/2 a million times in their careers!

4) The Joy of Gibberish.
A bonus episode on the end, but actually the best of the bunch as it is a typical Stephen Fry/ QI topic. Gibberish is explored as a concept and Fry shows off his knowledge of comedians who have dabbled in speaking nonsense as a profession. Curiously this includes an eclectic mix of the Irish (James Joyce), A Dadaist 30 minute nonsense poem (Die Sonata in Urlauten), Baby-talk, music and Stanley Unwin (a famous nonsense comedian from the 50's/60's).
I was tempted to give this CD only 4 stars, but this last episode really does deliver the goods. Possibly because its from 2006 (as opposed to 2009 for the others), but no matter - it still makes the series live up to Fry's high standards.
Oh, and it has one of those delicious QI bits of trivia. 'Dagwood Bumstead' is a phrase that (when repeated enough times) is said to either bring true enlightenment or drive you completely insane. Haven't tried it myself, but interesting to know...

So, all in all, I commend this CD as good stuff & ideal entertainment for listening to in the Car (I have shared this CD and Series 1 with friends and they all agree!)
Fry has set high standards for himself (especially with Fry and Laurie Read Daudet and Jerome & Stephen Fry Presents - Short Stories by Anton Chekhov) and although this CD isn't his best, it is still far above the efforts of other entertainers on Radio 4 and is up there in content with his QI work.
Here's hoping for a third series!

As someone who has long had a fascination with the origins and usage of the English language, these four half-hour episode seemed to be made specifically for me.
I am also a huge fan of Fry's quiz show QI and this is just another showcase for his charm, humour and astonishing intelligence. He also calls upon experts in the fields of language to offer insights, as well as offering various musical interludes and clips of the likes of Ronnie Barker and Spike Milligan.

'So Wrong It's Right' - Fry examines the way in which common usage changes the English language so that the 'wrong' words or phrases come to be the 'right' ones over time.

'Speaking Proper' - A look into pronounciation and enunciation and how they affect the way in which we communicate.

'Hello' - An investigation into the definition (or lack thereof) and origins of one of the most commonly used words in the world.

'The Joy of Gibberish' - The most whimsical of the episodes on offer, showing that nonsense and gibberish are essential parts of language.

Overall this audiobook made for a stimulating, educational and fun couple of hours of listening. Recommended for anyone with an interest in English or who just like listening to comfortingly witty sound of Fry's voice. The only downside was that I was dying to hear more when CD2 ended!