Lost For Words - Softcover

Humphrys, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340836598 ISBN 13: 9780340836590

Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks, 2005

Synopsis

'Greatly enjoyable' GUARDIAN

'It is always exhilarating to read a book which says what so many of us think' SPECTATOR

'Timely and lively' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

'Let us be very clear about this from the start: John Humphrys is a Good Thing' EVENING STANDARD

* * * * * *

From Today programme presenter and national treasure John Humphrys, the bestselling cry in book form for better English and an exposé of the political uses and abuses of language.

From empty cliche to meaningless jargon, dangling participle to sentences without verbs, the English language is reeling. It is under attack from all sides. Politicians dupe us with deliberately evasive language. Bosses worry about impacting the bottom line while they think out of the box. Academics talk obscure mumbo jumbo. Journalists and broadcasters, who should know better, lazily collaborate.

In his bestselling Lost for Words, Today presenter and national treasure John Humphrys wittily and powerfully exposes the depths to which our beautiful language has sunk and offers many examples of the most common atrocities. He also dispenses some sensible guidance on how to use simple, clear and honest language. Above all, he shows us how to be on the alert for the widespread abuse - especially by politicians - and the power of the English language.

About this title

Review:

Humphrys is passionate about language - and very funny too (Rod Liddle)

Greatly enjoyable (Simon Hoggart, Guardian)

for all those who care about the English language (Ann Widdecombe, New Statesman)

It is always exhilarating to read a book which says what so many of us think (Jonathan Keates, Spectator)

Timely and lively (Sunday Telegraph)

Let us be very clear about this from the start: John Humphrys is a Good Thing (Evening Standard)

the Jack Russell of the Today programme has now chosen to take some well aimed snaps at solecism, jargon, cliche and weasel words... It is always exhilarating to read a book which says what so many of us think (Spectator)

I commend Citizen Humphrys (Daily Mail)

You will have fun with this book (Guardian)

an exquisite sensitivity to the misuse of the English language (The Sunday Times)

Book Description:

From Today programme presenter and national treasure John Humphrys, the bestselling cry in book form for better English and an exposé of the political uses and abuses of language.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0340836598
• ISBN 13: 9780340836590
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352