The Eclectic Encyclopedia of English
Language at its Most Enigmatic, Ephemeral, and Egregious, as Observed in 'On Language'
by Nathan Bierma
William, James & Company, 2009
This book collects musings, observations, and opinions on the ever-evolving English language from A to Z, from Nathan Bierma's "On Language" column in the Chicago Tribune.
 |
|
Nathan Bierma has an uncanny ear for the language, and an engaging way of recounting its twists and foibles.
Nathan Bierma is the best kind of language writer: good-humored, open to new ideas, and interested more in the 'why?' of language than the 'don'ts'. His writing imparts pleasure and knowledge in equal doses.
Bierma has been exceptionally careful in his research for stories involving language, starting by seeking out scholars who might have the information he's looking for and then actually listening. So his columns are both informed and informative. Oh yes, and entertaining
