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Making a Point
The Pernickety Story of English Punctuation
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See moreThe triumphant third volume in David Crystal's classic series on the English language combines the first history of English punctuation with a complete guide to how to use it - now in paperback.
The triumphant third volume in David Crystal's classic series on the English language combines the first history of English punctuation with a complete guide to how to use it - now in paperback
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
This engaging history of punctuation (Wall Street Journal) is not only the first history of its kind, but a complete guide on how to use English punctuation.
Behind every punctuation mark lies a thousand stories. The punctuation of English, marked with occasional rationality, is founded on arbitrariness and littered with oddities. For a system of a few dozen marks, it generates a disproportionate degree of uncertainty and passion, inspiring organisations like the Apostrophe Protection Society and sending enthusiasts, correction-pens in hand, on a crusade against error.
Professor Crystal leads us through this minefield with characteristic wit, clarity, and commonsense. He provides a fascinating account of the origin and progress of every kind of punctuation mark over one and a half millennia, and he offers sound advice on how punctuation may be used to meet the needs of every occasion and context.
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?
David Crystal offers an engaging and insightful exploration of English grammar and punctuation. The work is praised for its ability to both amuse and instruct readers, blending historical insights with modern relevance. Reviewers commend its scholarly yet accessible approach, highlighting its utility as both an educational resource and a reference manual.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781781253519
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 September 2016
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Profile Books Ltd
Edition: Main
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 28.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 280g
Pages: 400
About the Author
David Crystal is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Bangor. His many books range from clinical linguistics to the liturgy and Shakespeare. He is the author of The Story of English in 100 Words and Spell It Out: The Singular History of English Spelling, both published by Profile. His Stories of English is a Penguin Classic.
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