A Grammar of the English Language (Oxford Language Classics)
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
A Grammar of the English Language provides a fascinating snapshot of the language and grammar of the early nineteenth century. It was a controversial book, first published in 1818 in New York and in 1819 in London. The author, William Cobbett (1763-1835), was a champion of the poor who had taught himself to read and write. His radicalism brought him into conflict with the authorities on many occasions. He reserved a special kind of venom for politicians, men of letters like Dr. Johnson, the lexicographer, and for Fellows of English Colleges, "who live by the sweat of other people's brows."
Here, he criticizes these men for their poor command of English, which was (he says) no better than that of chambermaids, hucksters, and plough-boys. Written in the form of letters and lessons to his fourteen-year-old son, the Grammar is the most colorful and entertaining treatment of the subject ever published. It gives advice on syntax and etymology, including "false grammar taken from Dr. Johnson's writing," "errors and nonsense in a king's speech," and "six lessons, intended to prevent Statesman from using false grammar."
This edition includes a new introduction by Lord Hattersley, which gives the book a modern perspective.
Here, he criticizes these men for their poor command of English, which was (he says) no better than that of chambermaids, hucksters, and plough-boys. Written in the form of letters and lessons to his fourteen-year-old son, the Grammar is the most colorful and entertaining treatment of the subject ever published. It gives advice on syntax and etymology, including "false grammar taken from Dr. Johnson's writing," "errors and nonsense in a king's speech," and "six lessons, intended to prevent Statesman from using false grammar."
This edition includes a new introduction by Lord Hattersley, which gives the book a modern perspective.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0198605080
ISBN13:9780198605089
Release Date:April 2003
Publisher:Oxford University Press, USA
Length:256 Pages
Weight:0.54 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.0" x 7.9"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Entertaining and Educational
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
A most entertaining grammar, in which Cobbett applies his poison political pen to, of all things, a precise study of the English language. Cobbett's instruction on our language is indeed impressive and contains information useful even today. However, the real fun starts with his made-up examples of bad grammar, which frequently include a completely gratuitious broadside aimed at one political antagonist or another. He also quotes extensively from these political antagonists to demonstrate how their book learning and social position in no way prevent them from committing astounding blunders of grammer and cogitation.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
