Synopsis
This book is about language designed to mean what it does not seem to mean. Ciphers and codes conceal messages and protect secrets. Symbol and magic hide meanings to imperil or delight. Languages made to baffle and confuse let insiders talk openly without being understood by those beyond the circle. Barry Blake looks in depth at these and many more. He explores the history and uses of the slangs and argots of schools and trades. He traces the histories of centuries-old cants such as those used by sailors and criminals, among them polari, the mix of Italian, Yiddish, and slang spoken once among strolling players and circus folk and then taken up by groups in London. He examines the sacred languages of ancient cults and religions, uncovers the workings of onomancy, spells, and gematria, considers the obliqueness of allusion and parody, and celebrates the absurdities of euphemism and jargon.
Secret Language takes the reader on fascinating excursions down obscure byways of language, ranging across time and culture. With revelations on every page it will entertain everyone with an urge to know more about the most arcane and curious uses of language.
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About the Author
Barry J. Blake is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at La Trobe University. His books includePlaying with Words and All About Language.
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
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Hardcover
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Secret Language : Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
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Secret Language : Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # GRP71746501
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Secret Language : Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 40356173-20
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, Oxford, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is about language designed to mean what it does not seem to mean. Ciphers and codes conceal messages and protect secrets. Symbol and magic hide meanings to imperil or delight. Languages made to baffle and confuse let insiders talk openly without being understood by those beyond the circle. Barry Blake looks in depth at these and many more. He explores the history and uses of the slangs and argots of schools and trades. He traces the histories of centuries-old cants such as those used by sailors and criminals, among them polari, the mix of Italian, Yiddish, and slang spoken once among strolling players and circus folk and then taken up by groups in London. He examines the sacred languages of ancient cults and religions, uncovers the workings of onomancy, spells, and gematria, considers the obliqueness of allusion and parody, and celebrates the absurdities of euphemism and jargon. Secret Language takes the reader on fascinating excursions down obscure byways of language, ranging across time and culture. With revelations on every page it will entertain everyone with an urge to know more about the most arcane and curious uses of language. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003089403
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
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Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book; Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0199579288I3N11
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0199579288I4N00
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: HPB-Emerald, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_470897165
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_463591710