| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
vii, 309 pages ; 22 cm |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-296) and index. |
| Contents |
Grammar for a New Country -- Grammar for Different Classes of Learners -- The Value of Grammar -- Rational Grammar -- Grammar and Gentility -- The Science of Grammar -- Grammar for a New Century -- The Persistence of Grammar. |
| Summary |
"Standard grammar and accurate spelling are widely considered hallmarks of a good education, but their exact definitions are much more contentious -- capable of inciting a full-blown grammar war at the splice of a comma, battles readily visible in the media and online in the comments of blogs and chat rooms. With an accessible and enthusiastic journalistic approach, Ostler considers these grammatical shibboleths, tracing current debates back to America's earliest days, an era when most families owned only two books -- the Bible and a grammar primer. Along the way, she investigates colorful historical characters on both sides of the grammar debate in her efforts to unmask the origins of contemporary speech." -- Provided by publisher. |
| Subject |
English language -- Grammar -- History.
|
|
English language -- Lexicology, Historical.
|
|
English language -- Etymology.
|
|
LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Grammar & Punctuation.
|
|
HISTORY / United States / 19th Century.
|
| ISBN |
9781250046123 hardback |
|
1250046122 hardback |
|
9781466846289 (ebook) |
|
