King Alfred’s English

by Hal | November 15th, 2011

King Alfred's English Laurie WhiteKing Alfred’s English: A History of the Language We Speak and Why We Should Be Glad We Do is a fun and enlightening view of English history in the format of four major language “invasions” and how they changed the shape and form of English. Surprising facts about people and wars, quirky details about spelling and grammar, fascinating word histories, all are packed together to form a highly memorable and educational overview of English history from 55 BC to 1611, the year the King James Bible was published. Then travel to the New World to see what happened to English as it washed up on the shores of America.

The capstone of the book is the story of how we got the Bible in English and it’s influence upon our language. What were the driving ideas behind the Reformation? Are the New Testament documents really reliable or are they translations of translations with huge discrepancies between manuscripts? Why was translating the Bible into English punishable by death? Learn the answers to these questions and find out how the Reformation affected the way you and I speak today.

Recommended for grades 7-12 but works for younger students and curious adults as well. Here’s our review of this wonderful book!

For more information go to The Shorter Word

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  • Anonymous

    This book sounds really interesting!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1597442768 Kendra Mead

    Looks good.

  • Mommazen28

    I believe that everyone should learn as much as they can!

  • Lauren

    I was looking at this book a few months ago and would love to have it!

  • Mommy2myblessings

    Really cool! :)

  • Gabreial W.

    Just for the pure fact of learning! 

  • Anne H

    Sounds interesting!

  • Anne H

    Sounds interesting!

  • Jen

    My son would love this!

  • Jen

    My son would love this!

  • Hugabug1

    This sounds really interesting!

  • Hugabug1

    This sounds really interesting!

  • Sharon

    I took a class on that in college and LOVED it. The text was a book by Bill Bryson, I think. Unfortunately and old boyfriend kept the book. So, I’d love this one for my own learning pleasure!

  • Sharon

    I took a class on that in college and LOVED it. The text was a book by Bill Bryson, I think. Unfortunately and old boyfriend kept the book. So, I’d love this one for my own learning pleasure!

  • Tkbronico

    Looks interesting

  • Tkbronico

    Looks interesting

  • Katpauz

    the links to our past are so important.

  • Katpauz

    the links to our past are so important.

  • Vicki

    This looks really really neat!  Thanks!

  • Vicki

    This looks really really neat!  Thanks!

  • Vicki

    “Fun and enlightening” is what caught my attention!

  • Vicki

    “Fun and enlightening” is what caught my attention!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1641457193 Mad Hatters

    Looks very interesting, would be a good read for any age

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1641457193 Mad Hatters

    Looks very interesting, would be a good read for any age

  • Mona

    Looks like a great way to interest my boy in language and history at the same time!!

  • Mona

    Looks like a great way to interest my boy in language and history at the same time!!

  • steffanie771

    I would like to know more of the history of English just to know more :)

  • Jamie

    We are always ready to learn new things!

  • Noelle

    sounds interesting!

  • Nicole Pagnotta

    Awesome!

  • Warnockmiller

    I would love this! My mother was an English teacher- I think it’s genetic!

  • Marijo Taverne

    I love history and I love language.

  • Marijo Taverne

    I love history and I love language.

  • Marijo Taverne

    I love history and I love language.

  • Marijo Taverne

    I love history and I love language.

  • Mrsmaryvanessa

    Because I have a son that is interested in anything from the middle ages…and if I can learn something new too…bonus!

  • Mrsmaryvanessa

    Because I have a son that is interested in anything from the middle ages…and if I can learn something new too…bonus!

  • Mrsmaryvanessa

    Because I have a son that is interested in anything from the middle ages…and if I can learn something new too…bonus!

  • Mrsmaryvanessa

    Because I have a son that is interested in anything from the middle ages…and if I can learn something new too…bonus!

  • Jennifer Freeman

    I want to learn to be able to better teach my boys!

  • Jennifer Freeman

    I want to learn to be able to better teach my boys!

  • Ladyaramina10

    Really enjoying the party!  Thanks everyone for all the great freebies and giveaways!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1731414116 Lis Penney

    Because I love etymology~ :)

  • Megan

    I graduated in English Education, so this would be an interesting read.

  • Michelle

    Interesting

  • Jennifer Carnes

    interesting for a history or english student

  • Jennifer Carnes

    interesting for a history or english student

  • Jennifer Carnes

    interesting for a history or english student

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1177928578 Katrina Steele

    This would be an interesting read.

  • Mandie W

    Good for my history buff hubby to do with the kids.

  • Alice Hallett

    very interesting.  thanks!

  • Brooke

    I love the history of pretty much anything, but I really think my husband love it!

  • The Pauper

    Our family is fascinated with grammar and the history of Language so this would be right up our alley.

  • http://www.terri-lane-griffin.com Terri G.

    this looks really cool

  • http://twitter.com/kbalman Kathy Balman

    I’d like to win because history is amazing and the English language can be so complicated at times.

  • cjoy

    this sounds fascinating and like something my son would enjoy reading!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1206939392 Holly Pixley

    I’m one of those curious adults…