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The Wordhord

Daily Life in Old English
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( 1,059 ratings, 181 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
In The Wordhord by Hana Videen, readers are taken on an exploration of the linguistic richness of Old English. The book delves into the history and evolution of the language, revealing the fascinating stories behind words and expressions. It's a journey into the past that illustrates how language shapes our understanding of the world, blending elements of philosophy and psychology within its narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by the historical richness of language and its philosophical underpinnings. It delves into the beauty of Old English words, exploring their meanings and cultural significance through a psychological lens. Perfect for those who revel in the magic of words and their transformative power over human thought and society.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An entertaining collection of strange, delightful and unexpectedly apt words from the origins of English.

An entertaining collection of strange, delightful and unexpectedly apt words from the origins of English

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

Delightful ... a pleasure - Guardian

Old English is the language you think you know until you hear or see it. Used throughout much of Britain over a thousand years ago, it is rich with words that haven't changed (like word in fact), others that are unrecognisable (such as neorxnawang, or paradise), and some that are curious even in translation (gafol-fisc literally means tax-fish).

In this beautiful little book, The Wordhord, Hana Videen has gathered these gems into a glorious trove that illuminates the lives, beliefs, and habits of the earliest English speakers. We discover a world where choking on a bit of bread might prove your guilt, where fiend-ship was as likely as friend-ship, and you might grow up to be a laughter-smith.

These are the magical roots of our own language: you'll never see English in the same way again.

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?

The Wordhord by Hana Videen has been praised as a delightful and clever examination of early medieval life, filled with linguistic treasures. Described as a wonderful and splendid read by several reviewers, it is both thorough and fascinating, offering an engaging exploration of the richness of language during the period.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788166119

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Illustration: black and white integrated images

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly, EFL / TEFL / TESOL

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Hana Videen has been hoarding Old English words since 2013, when she began tweeting one a day. Now over 20,000 people follow for these daily gems from her wordhord. Following her Old English doctorate at King's College London, she is now a writer and blogger in Canada, translating curiosities of history into engaging narratives. Find her on Twitter at @OEWordhord

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