Made in America - Hardcover

Bryson, Bill

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0436201402 ISBN 13: 9780436201400

Publisher: Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd, 1994

Synopsis

In this sequel to his history of the English language, "Mother Tongue", Bryson takes an informed and fond look at the history of Americans through their popular culture and language. He explains why they drive on the right, say "lootenant", and call a certain type of sandwich a "hamburger".

About this title

Product Description:

RO40079374. MADE IN AMERICA. 1994. In-8. Relié. Bon état, Couv. convenable, Dos satisfaisant, Intérieur frais. 478 pages illustrées de gravures noir et blanc hors texte. Ouvrage en anglais.. Avec Jaquette. . . Classification Dewey : 420-Langue anglaise. Anglo-saxon

Review:

Bill Bryson's "Informal History of the English Language in the United States" is, in a word, fascinating. After reading this tour de force, it's clear that a nation's language speaks volumes about its true character: you are what you speak. Bryson traces America's history through the language of the time, then goes on to discuss words culled from everyday activities: immigration, eating, shopping, advertising, going to the movies, and others.

Made in America will supply you with interesting facts and cocktail chatter for a year or more. Did you know, for example, that Teddy Roosevelt's "speak softly and carry a big stick" credo has its roots in a West African proverb? Or that actor Walter Matthau's given name is Walter Mattaschanskayasky? Or that the supposedly frigid Puritans--who called themselves "Saints," by the way--had something called a pre-contract, which was a license for premarital sex? Made in America is an excellent discussion of American English, but what makes the book such a treasure is that it offers much, much more.

About this edition

• Publisher: Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0436201402
• ISBN 13: 9780436201400
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320