Horrible Histories Special: Wicked Words Kindle Edition

it is not what I thought it would be; the reading is surprisingly dry. It is not a book I would have checked from the library it is at the first few glances dull and unentertaining. However, when I forced myself to find some vlue in this book it started to take form. The writing became a bit more colorful. That being said, my nine year old son loves it. My 10 year old finds it is a hoot. the five stars reflect their opinion of the reading experience, and not my 2 STAR feelings.

Though I’m no stranger to the English language, I was still curious to read what Terry Deary had to say about it, the origins of some of its words and the great writers who influenced and changed its shape for ever. As you already know from the title, today I’m going to review Terry Deary’s Wicked Words, the third Horrible Histories book I’ve read this year.In the Introduction, we are told that words are power and they can hurt as deep as a sword. But, In order to gain this power and learn how to use it, we have to read this book. So, the purpose of this short volume is to make the young readers be both accustomed to and entertained by the English language and its secrets. Before the timeline, there’s a chapter dedicated to prehistoric times, the first language humans spoke (which made the difference between our survival and extinction) and what archaeological findings reveal about this topic. The Horrible Histories timeline for the English language stretches from Rome’s rule over Britain to the 20th century. But it also includes Gutenberg’s printing press, two of the most influential English writers and Dr Samuel Johnson’s English dictionary.The table of content of this book is arranged alphabetically and each letter comprises a chapter or two and an aspect of the English language. Personally, I would have preferred the chronological order because it was strange to read about Dickens before Shakespeare. But let’s move on. In this book, you will read about the history of the English language (divided into six brief parts), Anglo-Saxon literature, stylistic literary devices such as alliteration, great English writers and poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, William Caxton, words and their etymologies, euphemisms, slang words, swear words and many more. You will also find fragments from, Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Vision of Piers Plawman, The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol etc. However, but beware, the endings of these literary works are spoiled in this book; so skip those parts if you haven’t read them yet.In the end, I think that this book is great for children who are interested in language and grammar because Terry Deary explains everything clearly and inserts jokes, games riddles and stories along the way. For me, on the other hand, this book didn’t have a lot of new information to offer because I already knew enough about the English language and its history. Also, I wasn’t a big fan of the football metaphor for the various invasions of Britain, but I guess it might work for younger readers. Overall, it was a nice read, so please give this book a try, if you or your kids are into languages and British humour.

This book is great fun to read because it has words that one would not have thought to at one time or another to be so bad as to be considered a curse word. This is not a book to let an elementary school kid read because there are words that one may not want a third grader to know. The book is educational for grown-ups though because it teaches one the origin and history of the words that it contatins and is often rather entertaining as well. I deffinately recommend this book to those who would enjoy learning the origin and history of words considered to be profanity and not approprate for public print.

Such great fun that you'll never realize you're learning about words and the history of the English language. The Horrible Histories series is fantastic and I'm so glad they added a little etymology to their repertoire. Learn funny facts about subjects varying from Greek and Latin contributions to the language to silly slang, tongue twisters and riddles. Not one dull page! Kids and adults will love it :)

Lots of fun, as expected from Horrible Histories series. A lot of humor, a lot of history.

There is no subject that Terry Deary cannot make you want to learn. History of countries? History of Kings and Queens? History of Villains? Sure. They all seem ripe for the curious. But dry old, everyday English? You bet. You and your children will dig in and love it and learn from it. Get yourself some Terry Deary!

I am a school teacher of 22 years and I am always looking for new & interesting ways to share knowledge with my students. This book series and the author are phenomenal. I buy all his books, new, used, special orders...... you name it. It's worth it!!!!!!!!

10 year old user review:"This book is awesome. You can learn all sorts of words to insult people and they probably won't know what the words mean."

Step grandson loves these I’ve bought him most of them lol

Bought for a Horrible Histories fan who loves the show. I always read the books as a child and thought they were fantastic. This one gives a good background into language and keeps the topic funny and intriguing for children and adults!

A wickedly good read.

As usual, HH excellence, a good learning book for kids (and adults alike). I have always been addicted to history and HH books are always a breath of fresh air. I will never tire of them.

Quick delivery item as described