40 pages • 1 hour read
Bill BrysonThe Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1990A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson is a nonfiction work that explores the origins, history, and evolving future of the English language. Bryson blends humor with historical research and linguistics to delve into the peculiarities of English dialects, pronunciation, grammar, spelling, and syntax, establishing themes on its global role, history, and linguistic evolution through detailed chapter-by-chapter examination.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bill Bryson's The Mother Tongue offers a witty and informative exploration of the English language's history and quirks. Readers appreciate Bryson's humor and engaging writing style. However, some critics note occasional inaccuracies and a lack of depth in certain areas. Overall, it is an enjoyable read for language enthusiasts but may not satisfy scholarly expectations. Bryson, Bill. The Mother Tongue. William Morrow, 1990.
Who Should Read The Mother Tongue?
A reader who enjoys The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson likely has a keen interest in the quirks of the English language, history, and etymology. Fans of books like Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss and The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth will appreciate Bryson’s humorous and informative exploration of language.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Humor
History: World
Arts / Culture
History: U.S.
Values/Ideas: Literature
Identity: Language
Society: Nation