- Hardcover: 500 pages
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press; illustrated edition edition (4 May 1995)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0521401798
- ISBN-13: 978-0521401791
- Product Dimensions: 27.4 x 22.2 x 3.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
21,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Books > Art, Architecture & Photography > Encyclopaedias
- #43 in Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Social Sciences > Linguistics > Reference
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'David Crystal is phenomenal … (This) is a prodigious achievement … The book combines breadth of range, imaginative insight, deep understanding and … is pervasively readable and stimulating.' Lord Randolph Quirk
'David Crystal's scholarship is seemingly boundless, and faultless in every respect. The result is an awesome scholarly creation, very well suited to the learning styles of our times, and an extraordinary reference and lending bargain at its price of £17.95.' Reference Reviews
'The Cambridge Encyclopedia of English Language (is) perhaps the most brilliant book of the past ten years...what makes it most impressive is that this stupendous work of scholarship, which combines physiology, philology and literary criticism, is, unbelievably, the work of one sole author.' Globe and Mail
'A treasure trove of information.' Good Book Guide
'David Crystal's scholarship is seemingly boundless, and faultless in every respect. The result is an awesome scholarly creation, very well suited to the learning styles of our times, and an extraordinary reference and lending bargain at its price of £17.95.' Reference Reviews
'The Cambridge Encyclopedia of English Language (is) perhaps the most brilliant book of the past ten years...what makes it most impressive is that this stupendous work of scholarship, which combines physiology, philology and literary criticism, is, unbelievably, the work of one sole author.' Globe and Mail
'A treasure trove of information.' Good Book Guide
Product Description
A revolution in language publishing Superbly illustrated in colour throughout, this is the most comprehensive reference book on the history, structure and worldwide use of English ever written. Clear and accessible, the book abounds with insights into how the language evolved and how it works. All aspects of English are covered: • the history of English • grammar, pronunciation and spelling • spoken and written English • regional and social variations - accents and dialects • new words, jargon, slang and clichés • English in use - in science, law, politics, advertising, the media … • the huge range and creativity of the English vocabulary • language in literature and language in humour • teaching and learning the language • English as a world language • the future of English Photographs, advertisements, cartoons, quotations, newspaper cuttings, poems, anecdotes and examples vividly complement the text throughout, bringing life, surprise and humour to even the most complex topics. No language student or language lover should be without this unique and fascinating book.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
As essential early step in the study of a language is to model it. Read the first page
Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
As essential early step in the study of a language is to model it. Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This encyclopaedia is simply brilliant for language lovers. It is clear and concise, brilliantly illustrated and laid out, and it makes the subject matter interesting. Once again David Crystal has managed to convey his love of language.
This encyclopaedia covers a wealth of information:
Part I. The History of English: The origins of English; Old English; Middle English; Early Modern English; Modern English; and World English.
Part II. English Vocabulary: The nature of the lexicon; The sources of the lexicon; Etymology; The structure of the lexicon; and Lexical dimensions.
Part III. English Grammar: Grammatical mythology; The structure of words; Word classes; and The structure of sentences.
Part IV. Spoken and Written English: The sound system; and The writing system.
Part V. Using English: Varieties of discourse; Regional variation; Social variation; Personal variation; and Electronic variation.
Part VI. Learning about English: Learning English as a mother tongue; and New ways of studying English.
As you can see, it's wide in scope so each section is concise and to the point, brilliant for referencing or just dipping in and out of for something interesting.
I would definitely recommend this to English language students and anyone with an interest in the subject.
This encyclopaedia covers a wealth of information:
Part I. The History of English: The origins of English; Old English; Middle English; Early Modern English; Modern English; and World English.
Part II. English Vocabulary: The nature of the lexicon; The sources of the lexicon; Etymology; The structure of the lexicon; and Lexical dimensions.
Part III. English Grammar: Grammatical mythology; The structure of words; Word classes; and The structure of sentences.
Part IV. Spoken and Written English: The sound system; and The writing system.
Part V. Using English: Varieties of discourse; Regional variation; Social variation; Personal variation; and Electronic variation.
Part VI. Learning about English: Learning English as a mother tongue; and New ways of studying English.
As you can see, it's wide in scope so each section is concise and to the point, brilliant for referencing or just dipping in and out of for something interesting.
I would definitely recommend this to English language students and anyone with an interest in the subject.
45 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is excellent for looking at linguistics surrounding the English language. It gives good summaries of topics including most of the relevant details, without overloading you with unnecessary information. The book is as its title says 'an encyclopaedia'. It's meant for quick reference. There are a range of tables, graphs and maps, which makes interpreting data quick and simple. This book is good for all those studying linguistics and those who have just a remote interest in the subject. I would highly recommend this book.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is essential for anyone studying language or linguistics at degree level. Crystal is the man when it comes to this subject and I'm sure this book and many more of his will be assisting me with the MA in Linguistics that I plan to pursue. It is books like this that have fed my enthusiasm for the English language and encouraged further study!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Beyond mere words
What a very well thought out piece of writing this is. One can read this in a linear fashion, as there is much that will be new to perhaps many readers, however the work is so well... Read more
Published 9 days ago by F. M. Muse
The English Language
Bought for my next Open Uni course and, it would seem, for the one after that...Bargain.
Suitable and fun reading for all those interested in all aspects of the English... Read more
Suitable and fun reading for all those interested in all aspects of the English... Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Roberts
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language
This book is amazing!
I needed it for an university course and it revealed to be very useful and interesting.
I recommend it!
I needed it for an university course and it revealed to be very useful and interesting.
I recommend it!
Published 6 months ago by martina
Truly comprehensive encyclopedia!
Since I saw it in the book shop I made up my mind about buying a language encyclopedia. It is incredibly useful as reference, deeply interesting if you are fascinated by the... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Castor
Great delivery
The delivery on this item was unbelievably fast and in brilliant condition. the book is a mine of information for anyone wanting to know about the development and use of the... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Keith Wills
good stuff
This is a cracking book that will last you ages.. it will take that long to read it all! good information well put together. Read more
Published on 5 May 2010 by solar butterfly
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language
If you are studying English language, you will find this book invaluable. It has so much information, backed up by brilliant pictures and examples of language. Read more
Published on 14 Mar 2010 by M. Popovic
Linguistic wealth
I've long since lost count of the number of copies of Crystal's outstanding book that I've purchased as gifts. All my teenage grandchildren have been given copies. Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2010 by Alan Lovejoy
Almost everything for Basic English language Knowledge
David Crystal is highly regarded in the English language World, and this book refelcts that. As a first year A level student studying the subject i found this book great in detail... Read more
Published on 8 May 2009 by E. Milner
Crystal Clear
Crystal's magnum opus is an intricate study of everything to do with the study of English Language. As an A-level English teacher I have habitually dipped into my copy when... Read more
Published on 28 April 2009 by Captain Pugwash
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