Humans need words to communicate, whether they are spoken, written, signed or even sung. But what exactly is a word? And why does the way we use words continue to change?
The English language has morphed, melted and remade itself since its beginning. From imitating the sounds of the world to squishing two words together to describe something unique, words on their own and strung together are capable of expressing many meanings. Star Sailor, The Story of Words ventures into the history of how language came to be and explores the ways words reveal a whole new impression of the world around us.
“A starter kit for young etymologists. Questions addressed to readers will elicit active engagement. McLaughlin’s lineless, slightly simplified but realistically detailed color cartoons against flat backgrounds allows the worlds to shine. An appealing and enlightening examination of the gallimaufry that is English.”