The Adventure of English

The Biography of a Language

By: Melvyn Bragg

Narrated by: Robert Powell

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the remarkable story of the English language; from its beginnings as a minor guttural Germanic dialect to its position today as a truly established global language.

The Adventure of English is not only an enthralling story of power, religion, and trade, but also the story of people, and how their lives continue to change the extraordinary language that is English.

©2003 Melvyn Bragg (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Both entertaining and informative." (Booklist)
"This 'biography' succeeds in its broad, sweeping narrative." (Publishers Weekly)

Words matter

Thoroughly satisfying, this "biography" or cultural history of English leaves few stones unturned in exploring the sources of the language, its evolution and permutations, and its continuing evolution. The reading by Robert Powell does near complete justice to Melvyn Bragg's deeply researched text. The only shortfall for Powell is his poor French pronunciations; some irony in that.

Many interesting details about Englush.

Includes many interesting details about English, language, history, thinking, religion, culture, etc. this ought to be part of everyone's education. I would like to refer friends to a Spanish version.

Very thorough

For a layman with an interest in language, this book is awesome in scope and detail. I'm sure that I will listen to all, or part, of it again ( and agIn). It is full of interesting information about the history and evolution of the English lexicon. The author clearly demonstrates that the greatest strength of the language is its flexibility.

An Adventure Indeed!

I started listening to this book as we taxied out on a flight to DFW. I expected it to be a droning background so I could quickly fall asleep. Was I surprised! Instead of a drone, I was totally captured by the story. I learned so much about my language and history! Brilliantly written and read!

Engaging

Recomend for anyone who is interested in language or history, and since the two are always braided together, you won't be disappointed by this book. The narration is superb, which makes listening to this book much better than reading so you don't have to muddle your way through the pronunciation of ancient "gutteral Germanic" words.

Ok but a bit too poetic

I liked the book ok but the author randomly went on sidetracks on subjects like the reformation. I would recommend the Great Courses "History of the English Language" by Seth Lerer.

Interesting, but not what I expected

I expected a bit more on the mechanics behind the formation of our language, and hoped that it would delve into the various accents of regional dialects. There was some of that there, but not much and only intermitedly. Also, the author repeatedly made analogies that made it sound as though English were a person ( stuff like "and so our language preserved the norman conquest and overcame the conquerors", hooray), which often served as the whole explanation for why English formed the way it did. I found that irritating.

Excellent Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is an excellent book that traces the development of the English language from its earliest times to current. The subject matter is excellently put together, but can actually be found in any number of other books. However, this is a book clearly meant to be listened to, and the strongest feature of this book is that the narrator skillfully pronounces the vocabulary and syntax as it was initially. You will not go away uneducated and bored.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Adventure of English?

Clearly the narrator's ability to speak English as it was spoken.

What about Robert Powell’s performance did you like?

Perfection

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It would not be possible if one wanted to think about the material.

All lovers of language will laud this book.

A masterpiece of meticulous linguistic and historical research made intelligible to the interested laymen. So exquisite is the elocution of the narrator, so impressive is his mastery of several spoken languages, that it must be heard, not merely read.

A linguistic delight!

This is the first audiobook that I will listen to again. The narrator, Robert Powell, has an amazing gift for correct linguistic pronunciation that covers a wide spectrum of contributory languages that form our present language. As a lifelong student of language, I found this book to be an extraordinary treat! Were it possible, I would give a higher rating.