The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way
by Bill Bryson
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson holds a well received rating of 3.95 out of 5, based on 24.1K reader ratings. First published in 1990. The book spans 270 pages.
About The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way
With dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson—the acclaimed author of The Lost Continent—brilliantly explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience and sheer fun of the English language. From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can't), to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world's largest growth industries.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Bill Bryson |
| Published | 1990 |
| Pages | 270 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, History, Travel, Science |
| Average Rating | 3.95 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 24,133 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way?
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way is categorized as Non-Fiction, History, Travel, Science. Its primary genre classification is Science.
Is The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way worth reading?
Based on 24.1K reader ratings, The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way has an average score of 3.95 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way?
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way has 270 pages.
Who wrote The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way?
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way was written by Bill Bryson. It was first published in 1990.
What is the ISBN for The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way?
The ISBN-13 for The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way is 9780380715440.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
