Spellbound: The Improbable Story of English Spelling

The story of English spelling is one of the most extraordinary, wonderful, surprising, improbable - and even lovable - stories ever told. As James Essinger explains in this entertaining, informative and thoroughly researched book, the apparent illogicality of English spelling derives from the way the language has evolved. A fascinating detective story, "Spellbound" will take you on a journey through the story of English spelling. On the way you'll meet extraordinary people such as: the ancient Egyptian scribe Qenherkhepshef (an easy name to spell); the Goth Ulfilas; King Alfred the Great; sixteenth-century Belgian scholar Augier Ghislain de Busbecq; William Shakespeare; Doctor Samuel Johnson; the fictional schoolboy Nigel Molesworth, the world's worst speller. "Spellbound" will amaze you, delight you and make you laugh. It may also improve your spelling.