Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols

Blake, Barry J.

ISBN 10: 0199579288 / ISBN 13: 9780199579280

Published by Oxford University Press (edition First Edition), 2010

It's a preowned item in good condition and includes all the pages. It may have some general signs of wear and tear, such as markings, highlighting, slight damage to the cover, minimal wear to the binding, etc., but they will not affect the overall reading experience. Seller Inventory # 0199579288-11-1

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.

About the Author:
Barry J. Blake is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at La Trobe University. His books includePlaying with Words and All About Language.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, ...
Publisher: Oxford University Press (edition First Edition)
Publication Date: 2010
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good
Edition: First Edition.