Review by Choice Review
Horobin (Univ. of Oxford, UK) argues that the spelling of English words does matter since it preserves the heritage of the language and shows its richness. He accounts for inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies (such as silent consonants) in his comprehensive tracing of the history of spelling from Old English to modern times. He covers influential historical developments including the Great Vowel Shift, the introduction of the printing press, and the failed attempts to form an English academy. Each chapter benefits from literary examples of the historical period under discussion. The last three chapters take up spelling reform and American spelling, referencing figures such as Dr. Johnson, Jonathan Swift, and Noah Webster. Whereas some recent books--e.g., Naomi Baron's Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World (CH, Jan'09, 46-2502) and David Crystal's Language and the Internet (CH, Apr'02, 39-4397)--focus on the effects of modern technology on spelling, Horobin's book seamlessly connects these recent innovations with the larger history of spelling. The result is both informative and entertaining. Subject and word indexes will help readers reference the volume's huge amount of information. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers. C. P. Jamison Armstrong Atlantic State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
