The Mother Tongue - English And How It Got That Way

Ever wondered why English is so gloriously weird? Discover the fascinating, funny, and often bizarre story of how a minor Germanic dialect conquered the world, becoming the language of Shakespeare, Silicon Valley, and everything in between. This is the story of your mother tongue. You'll travel back in time to uncover the surprising origins of everyday words, explore why spelling and pronunciation are so inconsistent, and learn how English has borrowed, stolen, and adapted its way to global dominance. Get ready to see the language you use every day in a completely new light.

Bill Bryson is a bestselling author whose acclaimed works on travel, science, and the English language have sold millions of copies and earned him Britain's prestigious Royal Society Science Book Prize. An American who spent decades living in Britain, his unique outsider-insider perspective allowed him to observe the hilarious quirks and fascinating evolution of English with unparalleled wit and curiosity. This dual viewpoint is the foundation for his celebrated exploration of the language we so often take for granted.