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Studies in Words (Canto)
by C.S. Lewis • 1939
Why you misread old books: words like 'nature' and 'conscience' once meant something else entirely.
4.19
516
Studies in Words (Canto) Summary
Studies in Words (Canto) 90%
Why you misread old books: words like 'nature' and 'conscience' once meant something else entirely.
by C.S. Lewis 1939
4.19
516 ratings
The Secret Life of Words
by Anne Curzan • 2012
English stole a million words, hid their origins, and keeps changing the rules.
4.37
505
The Secret Life of Words Summary
The Secret Life of Words 89%
English stole a million words, hid their origins, and keeps changing the rules.
by Anne Curzan 2012
4.37
505 ratings
The Unfolding of Language
by Guy Deutscher • 2005
Language has no inventor. Its intricate architecture is the product of decay, not deliberate design.
4.22
4k+
The Unfolding of Language Summary
The Unfolding of Language 88%
Language has no inventor. Its intricate architecture is the product of decay, not deliberate design.
by Guy Deutscher 2005
4.22
4k+ ratings
Words on the Move
by John McWhorter • 2016
Writing froze the language in your head; speech has been moving the whole time.
4.14
2k+
Words on the Move Summary
Words on the Move 88%
Writing froze the language in your head; speech has been moving the whole time.
by John McWhorter 2016
4.14
2k+ ratings
The Language Game
by Morten H. Christiansen • 2022
Language isn't a fixed code; it's a second-by-second improvisation that built human culture.
4.02
462
The Language Game Summary
The Language Game 88%
Language isn't a fixed code; it's a second-by-second improvisation that built human culture.
by Morten H. Christiansen 2022
4.02
462 ratings
A World Without "Whom"
by Emmy J. Favilla • 2017
The internet changed English. Here is the style guide that keeps up.
3.72
491
A World Without "Whom" Summary
A World Without "Whom" 88%
The internet changed English. Here is the style guide that keeps up.
by Emmy J. Favilla 2017
3.72
491 ratings
Because Internet
by Gretchen McCulloch • 2019
Why a period feels angry and emoji work like gestures: the hidden grammar of internet English.
4.04
13k+
Because Internet Summary
Because Internet 88%
Why a period feels angry and emoji work like gestures: the hidden grammar of internet English.
by Gretchen McCulloch 2019
4.04
13k+ ratings
Dictionary of American Slang
by Robert L. Chapman • 1998
Slang is a psychological shield, a substitute for the fist, and language at its most honest.
3.91
43
Dictionary of American Slang Summary
Dictionary of American Slang 88%
Slang is a psychological shield, a substitute for the fist, and language at its most honest.
by Robert L. Chapman 1998
3.91
43 ratings
Language in Thought and Action
by S.I. Hayakawa • 1991
Most arguments and prejudices come from one error: treating words as if they were facts.
4.22
1k+
Language in Thought and Action Summary
Language in Thought and Action 87%
Most arguments and prejudices come from one error: treating words as if they were facts.
by S.I. Hayakawa 1991
4.22
1k+ ratings
Like, Literally, Dude
by Valerie Fridland • 2023
Vocal fry, um, and literally: the science that turns every grammar pet peeve into a feature.
3.85
925
Like, Literally, Dude Summary
Like, Literally, Dude 87%
Vocal fry, um, and literally: the science that turns every grammar pet peeve into a feature.
by Valerie Fridland 2023
3.85
925 ratings
A Brief History of the Spanish Language
by David A. Pharies • 2007
Why you say 'puerta' not 'porta': the hidden rules that shaped Spanish over two millennia.
3.87
156
A Brief History of the Spanish Language Summary
A Brief History of the Spanish Language 87%
Why you say 'puerta' not 'porta': the hidden rules that shaped Spanish over two millennia.
by David A. Pharies 2007
3.87
156 ratings
Algospeak
by Adam Aleksic • 2025
Censorship algorithms didn't kill language online. They made it weirder, faster, more creative.
3.70
5k+
Algospeak Summary
Algospeak 87%
Censorship algorithms didn't kill language online. They made it weirder, faster, more creative.
by Adam Aleksic 2025
3.70
5k+ ratings
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook
by Chris Lele • 2018
Roots, false friends, and word origins: the 1,400-word shortcut to a command of English.
4.17
220
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook Summary
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook 87%
Roots, false friends, and word origins: the 1,400-word shortcut to a command of English.
by Chris Lele 2018
4.17
220 ratings
Science and Sanity
by Alfred Korzybski • 1933
How to train your nervous system to stop mistaking words for the things they name.
4.40
386
Science and Sanity Summary
Science and Sanity 87%
How to train your nervous system to stop mistaking words for the things they name.
by Alfred Korzybski 1933
4.40
386 ratings
El pequeño libro del lenguaje
by David Crystal • 2012
Grammar runs without a rulebook. Your accent is your signature. And every language remakes itself.
3.75
2k+
El pequeño libro del lenguaje Summary
El pequeño libro del lenguaje 87%
Grammar runs without a rulebook. Your accent is your signature. And every language remakes itself.
by David Crystal 2012
3.75
2k+ ratings
The Mother Tongue
by Bill Bryson • 1990
Why English spelling is a mess, dialects baffle, and a Germanic tongue now rules the world.
3.91
44k+
The Mother Tongue Summary
The Mother Tongue 87%
Why English spelling is a mess, dialects baffle, and a Germanic tongue now rules the world.
by Bill Bryson 1990
3.91
44k+ ratings
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
by John Koenig • 2018
The feelings you've always had finally have names: an invented dictionary for the human condition.
4.45
6k+
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Summary
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows 86%
The feelings you've always had finally have names: an invented dictionary for the human condition.
by John Koenig 2018
4.45
6k+ ratings
Word Power Made Easy
by Norman Lewis • 1949
One root unlocks twenty words. A systematic method for building a vocabulary that lasts.
4.42
9k+
Word Power Made Easy Summary
Word Power Made Easy 86%
One root unlocks twenty words. A systematic method for building a vocabulary that lasts.
by Norman Lewis 1949
4.42
9k+ ratings
Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time
by Mignon Fogarty • 2012
Addictive or addicting? 101 word choices every writer stumbles over, settled for good.
4.12
179
Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time Summary
Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time 86%
Addictive or addicting? 101 word choices every writer stumbles over, settled for good.
by Mignon Fogarty 2012
4.12
179 ratings
The Loom of Language
by Frederick Bodmer • 1943
Languages are not taught. They are inherited. The family tree unlocks what phrasebooks never will.
4.16
398
The Loom of Language Summary
The Loom of Language 86%
Languages are not taught. They are inherited. The family tree unlocks what phrasebooks never will.
by Frederick Bodmer 1943
4.16
398 ratings
The Limits of Interpretation
by Umberto Eco • 1990
When deconstruction declared all readings equal, Eco showed why the text itself disagrees.
4.13
552
The Limits of Interpretation Summary
The Limits of Interpretation 86%
When deconstruction declared all readings equal, Eco showed why the text itself disagrees.
by Umberto Eco 1990
4.13
552 ratings
The Evolution of Everything
by Matt Ridley • 2015
The same undirected process that built the eye also built language, money, and the internet.
3.92
3k+
The Evolution of Everything Summary
The Evolution of Everything 86%
The same undirected process that built the eye also built language, money, and the internet.
by Matt Ridley 2015
3.92
3k+ ratings
Semicolon
by Cecelia Watson • 2019
How a semicolon started a grammar war: the rules we invented, the people they hurt.
3.68
2k+
Semicolon Summary
Semicolon 86%
How a semicolon started a grammar war: the rules we invented, the people they hurt.
by Cecelia Watson 2019
3.68
2k+ ratings
Origins of Human Communication
by Michael Tomasello • 1999
Language didn't start with a code. It started with pointing, pantomime, and the urge to help.
4.14
299
Origins of Human Communication Summary
Origins of Human Communication 86%
Language didn't start with a code. It started with pointing, pantomime, and the urge to help.
by Michael Tomasello 1999
4.14
299 ratings
Lingüistica Para Todos / Introducing Linguistics
by R.L. Trask • 1996
From baby babbling to brain damage, a scientific tour of the system that makes us human.
3.90
991
Lingüistica Para Todos / Introducing Linguistics Summary
Lingüistica Para Todos / Introducing Linguistics 86%
From baby babbling to brain damage, a scientific tour of the system that makes us human.
by R.L. Trask 1996
3.90
991 ratings
Drive Yourself Sane
by Susan Presby Kodish • 2000
Your language splits you from reality. A century-old system for bridging the gap.
4.14
99
Drive Yourself Sane Summary
Drive Yourself Sane 86%
Your language splits you from reality. A century-old system for bridging the gap.
by Susan Presby Kodish 2000
4.14
99 ratings
The Sense of Style
by Steven Pinker • 2014
Why can't smart people write clearly? A cognitive scientist blames one mental blind spot.
4.04
9k+
The Sense of Style Summary
The Sense of Style 86%
Why can't smart people write clearly? A cognitive scientist blames one mental blind spot.
by Steven Pinker 2014
4.04
9k+ ratings
The Translator's Invisibility
by Lawrence Venuti • 1994
The smoother a translation reads, the more it erases the foreign culture and the translator's labor.
3.79
272
The Translator's Invisibility Summary
The Translator's Invisibility 86%
The smoother a translation reads, the more it erases the foreign culture and the translator's labor.
by Lawrence Venuti 1994
3.79
272 ratings
Memes of Translation
by Andrew Chesterman • 1997
Why do some ideas about translation survive for centuries while others vanish? A memetic answer.
4.09
22
Memes of Translation Summary
Memes of Translation 86%
Why do some ideas about translation survive for centuries while others vanish? A memetic answer.
by Andrew Chesterman 1997
4.09
22 ratings
Verbal Advantage
by Charles Harrington Elster • 2000
Ten levels that take your vocabulary from competent to commanding, one word at a time.
4.51
519
Verbal Advantage Summary
Verbal Advantage 86%
Ten levels that take your vocabulary from competent to commanding, one word at a time.
by Charles Harrington Elster 2000
4.51
519 ratings
How to do Discourse Analysis
by James Paul Gee • 2010
How language builds identities, relationships, and social worlds: a practical toolkit for analysis.
3.96
107
How to do Discourse Analysis Summary
How to do Discourse Analysis 86%
How language builds identities, relationships, and social worlds: a practical toolkit for analysis.
by James Paul Gee 2010
3.96
107 ratings
The Meaning of Everything
by Simon Winchester • 2003
A garden shed, an unpaid army, five million slips: the making of the Oxford English Dictionary.
3.99
5k+
The Meaning of Everything Summary
The Meaning of Everything 86%
A garden shed, an unpaid army, five million slips: the making of the Oxford English Dictionary.
by Simon Winchester 2003
3.99
5k+ ratings
The Language Puzzle
by Steven Mithen • 2024
Language's origin: a six-million-year puzzle pieced from genes, tools, and ape gestures.
3.89
487
The Language Puzzle Summary
The Language Puzzle 86%
Language's origin: a six-million-year puzzle pieced from genes, tools, and ape gestures.
by Steven Mithen 2024
3.89
487 ratings
Empires of the Word
by Nicholas Ostler • 2005
Akkadian vanished; Chinese didn't. Why some languages endure and others die, across 4,500 years.
4.06
3k+
Empires of the Word Summary
Empires of the Word 86%
Akkadian vanished; Chinese didn't. Why some languages endure and others die, across 4,500 years.
by Nicholas Ostler 2005
4.06
3k+ ratings
You Are What You Speak
by Robert Lane Greene • 2011
Grammar rules are recent inventions, language decline is a myth, and purism is identity politics.
3.86
682
You Are What You Speak Summary
You Are What You Speak 86%
Grammar rules are recent inventions, language decline is a myth, and purism is identity politics.
by Robert Lane Greene 2011
3.86
682 ratings
The Power of Language
by Viorica Marian • 2023
Language doesn't just describe your world. It builds it. A second language builds a second you.
4.06
1k+
The Power of Language Summary
The Power of Language 86%
Language doesn't just describe your world. It builds it. A second language builds a second you.
by Viorica Marian 2023
4.06
1k+ ratings
Metaphors We Live By
by George Lakoff • 1980
Metaphor isn't decoration. It's the operating system of the mind, and you never chose yours.
4.09
7k+
Metaphors We Live By Summary
Metaphors We Live By 86%
Metaphor isn't decoration. It's the operating system of the mind, and you never chose yours.
by George Lakoff 1980
4.09
7k+ ratings
Dreyer's English
by Benjamin Dreyer • 2019
A copy chief teaches the cuts, the commas, and the confidence to write clear, unstoppable prose.
4.34
9k+
Dreyer's English Summary
Dreyer's English 86%
A copy chief teaches the cuts, the commas, and the confidence to write clear, unstoppable prose.
by Benjamin Dreyer 2019
4.34
9k+ ratings
Let's Talk in English
by Manish Gupta • 2015
Speak fluent English: unlock word origins, memory shortcuts, and the idioms native speakers use.
4.50
2
Let's Talk in English Summary
Let's Talk in English 86%
Speak fluent English: unlock word origins, memory shortcuts, and the idioms native speakers use.
by Manish Gupta 2015
4.50
2 ratings
How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable
by Suzette Haden Elgin • 1997
Disagreement does not need to hurt. The tools for holding your ground without the casualties.
3.87
201
How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable Summary
How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable 86%
Disagreement does not need to hurt. The tools for holding your ground without the casualties.
by Suzette Haden Elgin 1997
3.87
201 ratings
Rebel with a Clause
by Ellen Jovin • 2022
She toured fifty states with a grammar table. The confessions were stranger than the questions.
4.00
1k+
Rebel with a Clause Summary
Rebel with a Clause 86%
She toured fifty states with a grammar table. The confessions were stranger than the questions.
by Ellen Jovin 2022
4.00
1k+ ratings
Speech Acts
by John Rogers Searle • 1969
Language doesn't just describe actions. It IS action, governed by rules that create the game.
3.89
509
Speech Acts Summary
Speech Acts 86%
Language doesn't just describe actions. It IS action, governed by rules that create the game.
by John Rogers Searle 1969
3.89
509 ratings
Dialogism
by Michael Holquist • 1990
All speech answers prior speech, all selves depend on others: the dialogic philosophy of Bakhtin.
4.09
88
Dialogism Summary
Dialogism 86%
All speech answers prior speech, all selves depend on others: the dialogic philosophy of Bakhtin.
by Michael Holquist 1990
4.09
88 ratings
The Gutenberg Parenthesis
by Jeff Jarvis • 2023
Before print, knowledge was conversation. Then books fenced it in. The fences are coming down.
3.83
218
The Gutenberg Parenthesis Summary
The Gutenberg Parenthesis 86%
Before print, knowledge was conversation. Then books fenced it in. The fences are coming down.
by Jeff Jarvis 2023
3.83
218 ratings
The Origin of Language
by Madeleine Beekman • 2025
The demands of keeping helpless infants alive, not hunting or gossip, gave us language.
3.70
201
The Origin of Language Summary
The Origin of Language 86%
The demands of keeping helpless infants alive, not hunting or gossip, gave us language.
by Madeleine Beekman 2025
3.70
201 ratings
Speechless
by Michael J. Knowles • 2021
Political correctness is not politeness. It's a Gramscian takeover of culture, one word at a time.
4.24
3k+
Speechless Summary
Speechless 86%
Political correctness is not politeness. It's a Gramscian takeover of culture, one word at a time.
by Michael J. Knowles 2021
4.24
3k+ ratings
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
by Julian Jaynes • 1976
Before introspection, humans heard gods. A theory of history explaining our search for certainty.
4.26
6k+
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind Summary
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind 86%
Before introspection, humans heard gods. A theory of history explaining our search for certainty.
by Julian Jaynes 1976
4.26
6k+ ratings
Words and Rules
by Steven Pinker • 1999
Jogged is rule, bought is memory. Two systems, one verb, and their collisions explain language.
3.91
2k+
Words and Rules Summary
Words and Rules 86%
Jogged is rule, bought is memory. Two systems, one verb, and their collisions explain language.
by Steven Pinker 1999
3.91
2k+ ratings
The Language Instinct
by Steven Pinker • 1994
Children don't learn language; they reinvent it, driven by grammar etched into the brain.
4.01
23k+
The Language Instinct Summary
The Language Instinct 86%
Children don't learn language; they reinvent it, driven by grammar etched into the brain.
by Steven Pinker 1994
4.01
23k+ ratings
Through the Language Glass
by Guy Deutscher • 2010
Language doesn't trap thought; it trains it. What you must say daily rewires what you see.
3.91
8k+
Through the Language Glass Summary
Through the Language Glass 85%
Language doesn't trap thought; it trains it. What you must say daily rewires what you see.
by Guy Deutscher 2010
3.91
8k+ ratings
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