TY  - BOOK
AU  - Crystal,David
TI  - The fight for English: how language pundits ate, shot, and left 
SN  - 019920764X
AV  - PE1075 .C79 2006
U1  - 420.9 22
PY  - 2006///
CY  - Oxford, New York
PB  - Oxford University Press
KW  - English language
KW  - History
KW  - Usage
N1  - Includes bibliographical references and index; Prologue --; 1; Beginnings --; 2; Complications --; 3; Variations --; 4; Standards --; 5; Reformers --; 6; Borrowings --; 7; Courtiers --; 8; Rustics --; 9; Authors --; 10; Censurers --; 11; Protectors --; 12; Chaos --; 13; Authorities --; 14; Change --; 15; Grammar --; 16; Appropriateness --; 17; Incorrectness --; 18; Perspicuity --; 19; Clarity --; 20; Punctuation --; 21; Antecedents --; 22; Consequences --; 23; Context --; 24; Spelling --; 25; Elocution --; 26; Pronunciation --; 27; Institutions --; 28; Education --; 29; Climates --; 30; Future --; Epilogue --; Notes --; Index
N2  - "The story of battles--both past and present--surrounding English language usage, The Fight for English explores why millions of people feel linguistically inferior. Unhappy with the "zero tolerance" approach to punctuation offered by Lynn Truss's Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, David Crystal offersa view of the subject that is much more balanced. Instead of answering the claims made by other manuals of English usage, Crystal provides an explanation and analysis of the genre as a whole.Crystal weaves an intricate and engaging account that traces the history of the English language and its development over time. From Anglo-Saxon to Modern English, Crystal addresses why the same language issues that were bothering people 250 years ago are still bothering people today. This is thestory of the fight for English usage--the story of the people who tried to shape the language in their own image, but failed generation after generation. In short, they ate, shot, and left. The Fight for English brings language to life on the page with a witty and engaging writing style. Broadening the perspective on the English language, this compellingly informative book has something for everyone interested in the topic. Move over Harry Potter. Here comes punctuation."--Publisher description
UR  - http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0725/2006049354-b.html
ER  -