A Really Short History of Words: An illustrated edition of the bestselling book about the English language

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The brand-new children's book from Bill Bryson - all about the amazing English language. Every day, you do something incredible, and I bet you barely ever think about it- you speak. Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did Why do we have so many different words for just one thing And why are so many words spelt the same but sound different In this beautifully illustrated journey through word and rhyme - and even a few jokes - Bill Bryson will teach you how the English language came to be (clue- lots of invasions) and what makes it a rich and beautiful thing (lots of Shakespeare). Get ready . . . because the story of the English language is an EXTRAORDINARY one.

Author Bio

Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. His bestselling books include The Road to Little Dribbling, Notes from a Small Island, A Walk in the Woods, One Summer and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. In a national poll, Notes from a Small Island was voted the book that best represents Britain. His acclaimed work of popular science, A Short History of Nearly Everything, won the Aventis Prize and the Descartes Prize, and is the biggest selling non-fiction book of the 21st century. The Body- A Guide for Occupants was shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize and is an international bestseller. Bill Bryson was Chancellor of Durham University 2005-2011. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in England.