The adventure of English : the life story of a remarkable language

The adventure of English The life story of a remarkable language

DVD - 2009

Melvyn Bragg and other experts explore the 1,500-year history of the English language and answer questions such as: How did it grow from a relatively insignificant Germanic dialect to become the premier language of culture, commerce, and diplomacy around the globe? Includes guide for group discussions, avenues for further learning, biographies, web extras, and much more.

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420.9/Adventure/DVD
vol. 1: 1 / 1 copies available
Location Call Number   Status
2nd Floor 420.9/Adventure/DVD v. 1 Checked In
Subjects
English language > History.
Documentary television programs.
Video recordings for the hearing impaired.
Genres
Video recordings for the hearing impaired
Published
[Silver Spring, Md.] : Athena [2009]
Language
English
Corporate Authors
London Weekend Television (Firm), ITV (Firm)
Corporate Authors
London Weekend Television (Firm) (-), ITV (Firm)
Other Authors
Melvyn Bragg, 1939- (-), Robert Bee, David Thomas, Nigel Wattis
Item Description
Title from container.
Originally produced in 2002 (episodes 1-4) and 2003 (episodes 5-8) for broadcast on British television.
Bonus features: "Architects of the language" biographies; web extras.
Physical Description
4 volumes (DVD)(1 videodisc per volume) (approximately 405 min.) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in
Format
16:9 widescreen; Dolby digital stereo.
Audience
Not rated.
Production Credits
Music, Howard Goodall.
ISBN
9781598282207
  • disc 1 (100 min.). episode 1 ; episode 2
  • disc 2 (101 min.). episode 3 ; episode 4
  • disc 3 (102 min.). episode 5 ; episode 6
  • disc 4 (102 min.). episode 7 ; episode 8 ; bonus feature.
Review by Library Journal Review

Delivering on its title's promise, this set offers thrills, tracing the development of the English language from a Germanic dialect to a hardy linguistic export to the world; chills, not just as church and state attempt to subdue the language's use but also as it is employed as a means of control by Western colonizers in foreign lands; and spills, as we see how politics, economics, geography, good fortune, and blind luck all play important roles in the story of the language's survival. The production values are top-notch, the program's wealth of information is rendered as fascinating entertainment, and the picturesque international location shots are the icing on the gravy. Cheers to writer/presenter Melvyn Bragg (host, The South Bank Show) and cohorts for this embarrassment of riches. Some mild profanity and references to violence and bawdiness. Bonus features include a 20-page viewer's guide; additional extras available only at www.athenalearning.-com. Essential for libraries with history, language, or literature sections; highly recommended for everyone.-J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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