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Crystal’s Curiosity Cabinet: An English Language Miscellany

By (author) David Crystal

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normal price: R 360.95

Price: R 342.95


| book description |

What do a comic alphabet, a glorious lipogram and a wellerism have in common? Or, an audit of accountants, an illusion of magicians, and an intrusion of spammers? And do you know how Shakespeare pronounced his name? Quirky, original, amusing and enlightening, this charming English Language Miscellany from David Crystal, one of the greatest British linguists of our time, offers fascinating observations on random, weird and witty words and expressions, collected over a number of years. Following the tradition of the Victorian miscellany and cabinets of curiosities, the 150+ random entries reveal the global, national, contemporary and historical impact of language, and will appeal to word lovers and fun-fact-fiends alike. Showcasing linguistic creativity in all its glory, and featuring a wide range of topics that reflect current language issues, such as accents, dialects, etymology, proverbs, place names, punctuation, everyday usage, and language change, this book provides a playful, entertaining and informative read on the bizarre nature of language.

| product details |



Normally shipped | Active
Publisher | John Murray Press
Published date | 16 Oct 2025
Language |
Format | Hardback
Pages | 240
Dimensions | 200 x 132 x 26mm (L x W x H)
Weight | 300g
ISBN | 978-1-3998-2389-0
Readership Age |
BISAC | language arts & disciplines / general
Expected | 20 Jan 2026

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Normally shipped | Available from overseas. Usually dispatched in 14 days
Readership Age |
Normal Price | R 422.95
Price | R 401.95 | on special |




Normally shipped | Forthcoming. Coming into print soon, we are accepting back orders for this item
Readership Age |
Normal Price | R 432.95
Price | R 411.95 | on special |



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