America in So Many Words: Words That Have Shaped America

This book presents a unique historical view of American English. It chronicles year by year the contributions Americans have made to the vocabulary of English and the words Americans have embraced through the evolution of the nation. For important years from the settlement of Jamestown until 1750, and for every year from 1750 through 1998, a prominent word is analyzed and discussed in its historical context. The result is a fascinating survey of American linguistic culture through past centuries. The authors -- both lifelong students of American English -- bring great depth of understanding to these key words that have made America, and American English, what they are today.

Author: Allan Metcalf, David K. Barnhart
Publisher: Mariner Books
Published: 09/13/1999
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.83lbs
Size: 8.10h x 4.77w x 0.85d
ISBN13: 9780618002702
ISBN10: 0618002707
BISAC Categories:
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Spelling & Vocabulary
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics | Etymology