200,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿 

Black Friday Sale on Now! Save up to 25% off Books, Toys, Board Games, & Puzzles! ✨

Troublesome Words

By Bill Bryson
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.89 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 3,211 ratings, 220 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Troublesome Words by Bill Bryson delves into the quirks and challenges of the English language. This reference book aims to clarify common confusions and misusages that plague writers and speakers alike. Bryson's witty insights and guidance make this both an educational and entertaining resource for those who wish to master the subtleties of English.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2700
Elsewhere:
$3000
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you have a passion for language and delight in both the quirks and complexities of English, you'll appreciate this guide. It's perfect for anyone who loves dissecting words, exploring common language misconceptions, and polishing their writing skills with wit and charm.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A guide to the problems of English usage and spelling. It lets you discover whether you should care about split infinitives, or were wondering if that newsreader was right to say 'an historic day'.

With Troublesome Words, bestselling writer Bill Bryson gives us a clear, concise and entertaining guide to the problems of English usage and spelling.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A fresh new look for Bill Bryson's indispensable word companion.

What is the difference between mean and median, blatant and flagrant, flout and flaunt? Is it whodunnit or whodunit? Do you know? Are you sure?

With Troublesome Words, journalist and bestselling travel-writer Bill Bryson gives us a clear, concise and entertaining guide to the problems of English usage and spelling that has been an indispensable companion to those who work with the written word for over twenty years.

So if you want to discover whether you should care about split infinitives, are cursed with an uncontrollable outbreak of commas or were wondering if that newsreader was right to say 'an historic day,' this superb book is the place to find out.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Troublesome Words by Bill Bryson is praised for its dual appeal as both a reliable reference work and an enjoyable read. Known for Bryson's engaging and accessible writing style, the book addresses common language dilemmas, effortlessly blending education with entertainment.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141040394

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 184g

Pages: 256

Collections

Bill Bryson Education & Reference Non-Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Bill Bryson is the bestselling author of books such as Notes from a Small Island, which in a national poll was voted the book that best represents Britain, and A Short History of Nearly Everything, which won the Royal Society's Aventis Prize as well as the Descartes Prize. His most recent books are At Home: a Short History of Private Life, and One Summer: America 1927. He lives in Norfolk.

Also by Bill Bryson

View all
  • A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0
    Fully updated edition of the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century explaining the Earth, the universe, everything in-between. The 21st century's bestselling popular science book has now been fully revised and updated in Bill Bryson's inimitable style to reflect the many advances in science since this book was first published in 2003. This journey through time and space...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $3300
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • A Really Short History of Nearly Everything
    Embark on an exhilarating journey through the wonders of science with Bill Bryson’s A Really Short History of Nearly Everything. This stunning edition takes readers on an enthralling tour from the dawn of time to the present day, unraveling the marvels of existence and the mysteries of the universe. Bryson’s captivating prose brings to life the complex concepts of cosmology,...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • A Really Short Journey Through the Body
    A Really Short Journey Through the Body by Bill Bryson and Emma Young is a delightful and enlightening exploration of the human body, tailored specifically for younger readers. This fully illustrated edition is an engaging adaptation of Bryson's bestselling work, plunging into the intricate and awe-inspiring workings of our bodies. With wit and charm, the authors guide readers through an...
    By Bill Bryson and Emma Young
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3700
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    24% off
    A Short History of Nearly Everything
    In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson embarks on a captivating journey through time and space, unravelling the mysteries of the universe and the fundamental principles that govern our existence. From the explosive birth of the cosmos in the Big Bang to the emergence of human civilisation, Bryson weaves an intricate tapestry that not only illuminates the grandeur...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Down Under
    In Down Under, Bill Bryson takes readers on a fascinating, hilarious, and vividly-entertaining journey through the vast and diverse landscape of Australia. From the vivid red deserts of the Outback to the lush rainforests of Queensland and the bustling metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne, Bryson’s travels showcase the contrasts and unique aspects of this extraordinary continent. His wit, curiosity, and...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $2599
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    16% off
    A Really Short History of Words
    The brand-new children's book from Bill Bryson - all about the amazing English language. Every day, you do something incredible, and I bet you barely ever think about it—you speak. Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did? Why do we have so many different words for just one thing? And why are so many words spelt...
    By Bill Bryson
    Hardback
    $3700
    Elsewhere:
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Body
    The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson offers readers a captivating exploration into the intricate and remarkable workings of the human body. This head-to-toe tour of the marvel that is our physical frame delves deep into the mechanics, potential, and mysteries of our anatomy. Bryson, celebrated for his engaging writing and thorough research, embarks on a mission to...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $2199
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Road to Little Dribbling
    The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson is a captivating journey through Britain, offering a delightful and humorous exploration of the country's charm and quirks. Twenty years after the release of his landmark travel book, Notes from a Small Island, Bryson returns to traverse the length and breadth of his adopted homeland. This time, he sets out on a...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $2599
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    26% off
    Mother Tongue
    A fresh new look for Bill Bryson's two exceptional classics on the English language. Mother Tongue explores the quirky and fascinating journey of the English language, spoken by more than 300 million people worldwide, with many more attempting to master it. Only Bill Bryson could make a book about the English language so entertaining. With his boundless enthusiasm and restless...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • One Summer
    Immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey back to the summer of 1927 with One Summer by Bill Bryson, a masterful writer known for his captivating narrative non-fiction. This meticulously researched and vividly told account highlights a pivotal season when America was on the cusp of modernity, imbued with a sense of boundless potential and seismic change. In the summer of...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • On Sale
    20% off
    Neither Here, Nor There
    In Neither Here, Nor There, Bill Bryson takes readers on an insightful and laugh-out-loud journey across Europe, recounting his adventures and misadventures with trademark wit and humour. This entertaining travelogue sees Bryson retracing the steps of his youthful travels as a student, but now with the wisdom (and perhaps cynicism) of middle age. Starting from the northern reaches of Hammerfest,...
    By Bill Bryson
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    29% off
    The Body Illustrated
    Embark on an extraordinary journey through the wonder that is the human body with The Body Illustrated by Bill Bryson. This beautifully illustrated edition of Bryson's bestselling work offers a captivating head-to-toe tour of our anatomical marvels, providing both a deep understanding and a newfound appreciation for the complex machine that is the human body. Bryson's exploration is not only...
    By Bill Bryson
    Hardback
    $4800
    Elsewhere:
    $7500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Browse lists from our team

The Latest at Book Hero

View all

More from Education & Reference

View all
  • Revenge of the Tipping Point
    Twenty-five years after the publication of his groundbreaking first book, Malcolm Gladwell returns with a brand new volume that reframes the lessons of The Tipping Point in a startling and revealing light. What does the heartbreaking fate of the cheetah tell us about the way we raise our children? Why do elite universities care so much about sports? What is...
    By Malcolm Gladwell
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Body Keeps the Score
    The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...
    By Bessel van der Kolk
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Song of the Birds
    A stunning and panoramic history of native birds in Aotearoa, from the bestselling author of The Meaning of Trees For millions of years, the song of the birds echoed throughout Aotearoa, with no one around to hear it. While the arrival of humans would transform their story forever - birds may have changed us even more. In this beautiful and...
    By Robert Vennell
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    12% off
    Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    One Last Question, Prime Minister
    From Muldoon to Luxon, untold stories from the House of Parliament Barry Soper has spent close to five decades questioning New Zealand's prime ministers.From the imposing, larger-than-life characters of Rob Muldoon and David Lange, to the golden age of Helen Clark and John Key, and the post-Covid era of Jacinda Ardern and the 'Chrises', Soper's insight and nose for a...
    By Barry Soper
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    20% off
    Kitchen Confidential
    The classic bestseller from the star of Parts Unknown and No Reservations: 25th Anniversary edition, with a new introduction by Irvine Welsh. BEFORE THERE WAS THE BEAR, THERE WAS BOURDAIN. ‘Elizabeth David written by Quentin Tarantino’ — A.A. Gill ‘Fantastic: as lip-smackingly seductive as a bowl of fat chips and pungent aioli’ — Daily Telegraph After twenty-five years of sex,...
    By Anthony Bourdain
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    American Hagwon
    ‘Profoundly generous and humane’ DOUGLAS STUART‘Engrossing … brilliantly imagined’ COLM TÓIBÍN‘Breathtaking … I adored it’ ELIF SHAFAK‘Extraordinary’ TARA WESTOVERMin Jin Lee, the acclaimed author of Pachinko, returns with a breathtaking contemporary epic that follows one family as they reckon with personal dreams and familial duty. John and Helen Koh and their three children – Bo, DH and Mido – are...
    By Min Jin Lee
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    23% off
    1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four
    In the drab and oppressive world of 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell introduces us to Winston Smith, a man haunted by the omnipresent surveillance and control exercised by the Party and its enigmatic leader, Big Brother. Winston works diligently at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to alter historical records to fit the ever-changing narrative dictated by the...
    By George Orwell
    Paperback
    $1000
    Usually:
    $1299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Lucky You're Tough
    New Release
    Lucky You're Tough
    Lucky You're Tough chronicles the early life of helicopter pilot and NZSAS soldier Mark Law, from growing up in the rural wilds of Whangamōmona through to surviving a series of life-threatening events that would shape his life and career. After a career as a badged soldier in the NZSAS that led to an intriguing stint with the British SAS and...
    By Ron Crosby and Mark Law
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Hormone Health is Mental Health
    On Sale
    15% off
    New Release
    Hormone Health is Mental Health
    Hormone Health is Mental Health is a lifechanging guide to understanding perimenopause and midlife women's mental health - and how understanding your hormones is the first step to feeling like yourself again. This book is for women in their thirties, forties, and fifties who feel like they're falling apart. Women who feel like their brains and bodies are betraying them,...
    By Dr Fatima Khan
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • On Sale
    20% off
    The Age Code
    What if the food you eat could rewind your biological clock? 'Clear and compelling' — Chris van Tulleken 'Really interesting and insightful' — Joe Wicks 'Fascinating' — Tim Spector From the rising incidence of cancer in the under-50s to increased infertility rates, there are signs everywhere that growing numbers of us are ageing too quickly. Why? Many believe there’s one...
    By David Cox
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Explosive Child [Sixth Edition]
    The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, PhD, now in its revised and updated sixth edition, delves deeply into a revolutionary, research-based approach to understanding and parenting children who frequently display severe fits of temper and other challenging behaviours. Penned by a distinguished clinician and pioneer in addressing the needs of children with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, this ground-breaking...
    By Ross W Greene, PhD
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Disappearers
    New Release
    Shirl's Pick Shirl's Pick
    The Disappearers
    Marlon James's triumphant return to the Booker Prize-winning A Brief History of Seven Killings 'Darkness is a mood in Jamaica . . .' The Disappearers is Marlon James's triumphant return to the Jamaica of A Brief History of Seven Killings—a place of heat and chaos, and of danger for anyone outside the heteronormal. So when eight gay men meet for...
    By Marlon James
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 200,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.