The Adventure of English: The Biography of a Language

I keep going back to listen to this book. It is so interesting and a product of lots of research that doesn't become tedious, although the lists of words probably work better on the page. But that aside, I love it.

Caroline, exeter, United Kingdom

27/08/2009

I first bought this title because I thought it would teach me something about the reason why we talk the way we do. It did far more than that. Robert Powell is an excellent choice for the reader. After listening to the book I bought a copy and tried to work my way through some of the Old English sections. I found that Robert's mastery of the dialects and phrases helped me enjoy it more and make sense of it. Melvyn Bragg has written an extremely accessable account of our language that incorporates mystery, warfare,domination,robbery and the ability of our language to expand using other languages. Of special interest are the chapters on American and Australian English. Excellent title.

Ivor, United Kingdom

31/10/2009

Written to Melvyn Bragg's usual high standard and extreamly well read by Robert Powel. Unfortunately the long lists of examples became tedious and if it had been a book I would have skipped through many of them. Save this one for long days on the beach - not a commute.

Vivian, New Malden, United Kingdom

09/03/2008

Fascinating book, which captures a mass of interesting facts about the English language inside a well narrated and informative history. Highly recommend it to someone interested in the roots of the language from the 5th century onwards - this is a very accessible listen and I would go so far as to say it is indeed an adventure to listen to. It touches on the way English spans the globe in it's many forms and derivatives and why it is such an extensive, flexible language.

Peter, Beulah, United Kingdom

26/01/2009

I had a hard time learning English but when I came to the stage I was able to read and listen without using my dictionary and still understand it I became more and more interested in the history of the language; both the development and the paralels I see in my own language. Now I have both read and listened to this book. It's worth it!

Anne, Sweden

29/07/2009

right from the word "go", this is a fabulous book for anyone with even a slight interest in the english language. Bragg gallops through history with gusto, never dragging his feet yet still managing to obviate the question "what have you left out?" Quite simply, brilliant. Robert Powell's delivery is precise and beautiful, well-paced and captures the accents of the ages and regions. Excellent.

cowtown5150, BROSELEY, United Kingdom

27/05/2009

Fascinating subject, full of facts - so why didn't I enjoy it? I nearly didn't make it past the first chapter. Perhaps it's better read on the page than listened to? The endless lists, for example. And too many examples per fact (yes we've got the point, thank you). Or maybe this book is of more interest to a non-native speaker/lover of English Language. I really don't know, but this is the most disappointing talking book for me so far.

Patricia, Kendal, United Kingdom

15/08/2009