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The Art of Verbal Warfare

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( 11 ratings, 2 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 Art of Verbal Warfare by Rik Smits, the author delves into the subtle psychology and philosophy of how words can be wielded as powerful tools in social interactions. The book examines the strategies, techniques, and impact of verbal exchanges throughout history, offering insights into the human instinct for debate and persuasion. It's an engaging exploration of language as a tool for influence and defence.
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Format: Hardback
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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 fascinating exploration of language if you're intrigued by the power and dynamics of rhetoric in social interactions. This book delves into the psychological strategies of verbal combat and might appeal to those interested in understanding and mastering the art of persuasive and effective communication.

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A dive into salty and artful language, invective and off-colour jokes the world over.

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

We use salty or artful language to win arguments, slander, cheat, and bully, as well as to express feelings of joy or frustration by swearing or "blowing off steam." Rik Smits delves into the magic of oaths and profanity, art and advertising, the lure of fake news and propaganda, as well as invective and off-colour jokes the world over. This book shows why conversation dies in crowded elevators and what drives us to curse at our laptops. The Art of Verbal Warfare is, when all is said and done, the story of how we can get through life without coming to physical blows.

'If you want to know why you swear, what counts as a potty mouth in other cultures, and why words can hurt more than sticks and stones, then this rampage of a book is for you: it will amuse, embarrass, provoke, enlighten, and annoy the hell out of you about all forms of dirty language and dirty politics. It is also a passionate defence of the joys and failures of Western democracy, liberalism, and rationality β€” for which using words well really matters.' - Simon Goldhill, professor of Greek, University of Cambridge, fellow of King's College, Cambridge, and foreign secretary of the British Academy

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 Art of Verbal Warfare by Rik Smits is praised for its exploration of the dynamic and often contentious use of language across different cultures and scenarios. It delves into the role of language in insults, threats, humour, and social media, using vivid examples to illuminate these aspects. Reviews highlight the book's engaging presentation of linguistic phenomena and its examination of how verbal expression can reflect societal values and influence behaviour.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789145946

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 41 illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 528

About the Author

Rik Smits is a linguist based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His books include The Puzzle of Left-handedness, also published by Reaktion Books, and Dawn: The Origins of Language and the Modern Human Mind.

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