Wordwatching (rev. edn.)
Julian Burnside
‘The book swirls and invites the reader to dip and dive into its richly entertaining contents ... There is a real love of language here and the book is full of wonderful stories about the magic of words.’
Bruce Elder (Sydney Morning Herald)‘Erudite and eclectic musings, with a whimsical edge, on the linguistically curious and aptly adaptable.’
Murray Waldren (Weekend Australian)‘an exquisite pleasure’
Warren Hately (Fremantle Herald)A bonzer (p. 247) discussion of the strange but dinkum (p. 248) pedigree (p. 197) of the naughty (p. 175), nice (p. 185), and, sometimes, obscene (p. 190) English language.
We live in a torrent of words — from radio and television, books and newspapers, and now from the internet. But, as Julian Burnside reminds us in this new edition of the best-selling Wordwatching, words are a source both of pleasure and power, and can be deployed for good or for ill.
Some of these essays explore curiosities in odd corners of the language simply to remind us of the extraordinary richness of the English language. Other pieces use small matters of language to illustrate larger processes of cultural borrowing and change. Burnside’s musings remind us that we should not be alarmed at the instability of the language; rather, we should be see its wanton borrowings as a source of strength and vitality.
Wordwatching also reminds us of the need to be aware of the misuse of language in the service of sinister purposes — whether political, ideological, social or personal. An ear well tuned to the nuances of vocabulary inoculates the hearer against this epidemic of deception.
With nine new essays, and citing everyone from the ancient Greeks to Samuel Johnson, George Orwell, Ned Kelly, George W. Bush, and John Howard, Wordwatching is a fascinating demonstration of the power and the pleasure of the English language.
‘a delightful collection of short essays on quixotically selected lexicographical examples, curiosities and profundities catching the eye of a (not so) ‘amateur philologist’ ... read it as a book of fine essays, laced with a sometimes self-deprecating wit, which use the language with the grace and respect that has inspired [Burnside] to ‘watch words’ in the first place.’
Brian Matthews (Eureka Street)Julian Burnside ... is a passionate, erudite and witty man. His dissection of the vagaries and bastard history of the English language is worthy of his illustrious predecessors, Johnson and Fowler ... His chapters on ‘naughty words’, ‘haitch’ and ‘terminal prepositions’ reduced this reader to tears of excruciation and delight ... This is a book for any lover of language, and of ideas.’
Kathy Hope (Australian Bookseller & Publisher)‘very witty and amusing, exploring the history of words and their current use and misuse.’
Steve Woodman (Weekender)Burnside’s ‘sense of humour twinkles throughout the book as he solves language mysteries.’
Jenny Napier (AAP)‘... there are plenty of jokes and witty references ... It’s entertaining and thought-provoking stuff.’
(Sun-Herald)‘There are many quirks and curiosities of language to be gleaned from this pleasant book.’
Meg Sorensen (Courier Mail)'… reading the book is like eavesdropping on an intelligent conversation. A life-long passion for language informs the writing, which is often amusing and always learned.'
Roslyn Guy ( Age)'Burnside ... employs the skills of a forensic historian with a barrister's sharp tongue ... This is a delightful book you can easily dip in and out of. If you'll excuse the syntax.'
Mark Irving (West Australian)'Like an expensive box of chocolates with exotic fillings, this is a collection of finely crafted confections on words that will be enjoyed by those who love language and its endlessly evolving interplay with meaning.'
Anthony Burke (Law Institute Journal (Vic))Julian Burnside
Julian Burnside, QC, is an Australian barrister who specialises in commercial litigation and is also deeply involved in human rights work, in particular in relation to refugees. He is president of Liberty Victoria, and is also passionately involved in the arts: he is the chair of Melbourne arts venue fortyfivedownstairs, and is chair of the Mietta Foundation. He has published a children's book, Matilda and the Dragon, and is also the author of From Nothing to Zero, a compilation of letters written by asylum-seekers held in Australia's detention camps, Wordwatching, a collection of essays on the uses and abuses of the English language, and Watching Brief: reflections on human rights, law, and justice.
Website: www.julianburnside.com.au
Extent: 304pp
Size: 210mm x 135mm
ISBN (10): 1921215 100
ISBN (13): 9781921215100
RRP: $27.95
Pub date: December 2006
World excl North America
Rights sold:
News