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The Kingdom of Speech

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( 2,438 ratings, 498 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
The Kingdom of Speech by Tom Wolfe challenges the conventional understanding of the evolution of language and speech. Blending scientific exploration with sharp commentary, Wolfe critiques prominent linguistic theories and delves into the unique development of human communication. This engaging narrative invites readers to ponder the profound impact of language on human society.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the origins of human language and enjoy exploring provocative ideas that challenge established scientific views. Tom Wolfe's engaging style blends wit and narrative flair, making complex concepts in linguistics and anthropology both accessible and entertaining.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

From Alfred Russel Wallace, the Englishman who beat Darwin to the theory of natural selection but later renounced it, and through the controversial work of modern-day anthropologist Daniel Everett, who defies the current wisdom that language is hard-wired in humans, this author examines zig-zags of Darwinism, old and Neo, and and more.

From the author of The Bonfire of the Vanities, the maestro storyteller and reporter provocatively argues that what we think we know about speech and human evolution is wrong.

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

From the author of The Bonfire of the Vanities, the maestro storyteller and reporter provocatively argues that what we think we know about speech and human evolution is wrong.

'A great journalist with a whip-like satirical prose style... Wolfe's great gift is to make the heavy seem light and this book is such an entertaining polemic that I read it in a day and immediately wanted to read it again.' - Bryan Appleyard, Sunday Times

Tom Wolfe, whose legend began in journalism, takes us on an eye-opening journey through language. The Kingdom of Speech is a paradigm-shifting argument that speech - not evolution - is responsible for humanity's complex societies and achievements.

From Alfred Russel Wallace, the Englishman who beat Darwin to the theory of natural selection but later renounced it, and through the controversial work of modern-day anthropologist Daniel Everett, who defies the current wisdom that language is hard-wired in humans, Wolfe examines the solemn, long-faced, laugh-out-loud zig-zags of Darwinism, old and Neo, and finds it irrelevant here in our Kingdom of Speech.

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?

Tom Wolfe's The Kingdom of Speech has been praised for its whip-like satirical prose and engaging polemic style, making it an entertaining and fast read. Reviewers commend Wolfe's ability to write with energy and insight, maintaining fluency and vigour throughout the book. The narrative is recognised for its captivating, high-velocity prose and gleeful energy, with Wolfe's point of view receiving significant appreciation.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784704896

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 158g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Tom Wolfe (1930-2018) was the author of more than a dozen books, among them The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, The Right Stuff, The Bonfire of the Vanities, A Man in Full, I Am Charlotte Simmons and Back to Blood. He received the National Book Foundation's 2010 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

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