A Little Book of Language

Language never leaves you alone. A Little Book of Language by renowned linguist David Crystal is a lively journey through the story of how we talk — from an infant's first word to the languages of the internet.

The book moves through the mysteries and quirks that shape how humans communicate — the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, the search for the first written word, and the modern rise of texting and emojis. Crystal reveals how language lives in our heads and shapes our relationships, our identities, and the way we understand where we come from. Part of the celebrated Little Histories series.

The words that made us who we are.