Reviews: (by author)

Brook, Donna. Ill. by Jean Day Zallinger. The Journey Of English. Clarion Books, 1998. $17.00. ISBN 0-395-71211-1.

This 48-page illustrated history of the development of the English language is packed with statistics and interesting information. Brook begins by explaining the importance of the English language--its widespread usage and the fact that it incorporates more words than any other language. Then she takes the reader on a journey backward through time to 3000 B.C., to the roots of the Indo-European language family. Fascinating changes are traced as the reader learns about the evolution of language on a "small uncivilized island off the coast of Europe" (England), beginning with the Celts in about 400 A.D. Soon the Romans arrived, then the Angles and Saxons (creating Anglo-Saxon), and subsequently the Norse, whose language was incorporated to produce Old English. With the Norman invasion of 1066, Old English remained the language of the commoners while French was adopted by the monarchy. An eventual mixing of French and Old English resulted in Middle English, which was standard by 1362. The vocabulary grew immensely during the Renaissance, with the infusion of Greek and Latin words, as well as terminology related to many inventions and discoveries. Additionally, English changed drastically with the Great Vowel Shift (1400-1450), which created new pronunciations. (Brook also explains how Christian monks in England and Europe were able to keep the Latin and Greek languages alive.) Doing a wonderful job of providing simple yet thorough explanations of historical information, Brook finally asks the big question, "how did English move from its little island to world popularity," and answers concisely that "it traveled with the people who spoke it," as she embarks on a forthright discussion of colonialism. While English settlers incorporated some native words into their vocabulary, Brook admits that "mostly, though, English pushed the native languages aside. It was much easier to govern people in one language, the ruler's language, than in hundreds of local languages" (37). Concluding with a notion supported by contemporary linguists, Brook states that "English is always changing and will always keep changing."

Meticulously complete and comprehensive, The Journey of English is engaging because the facts are appropriate but not overwhelming, and Brooks' writing style is pedagogical yet pleasant. The illustrations are excellent, with detailed pictures on every page. The book includes pertinent maps and informative diagrams. Also included is a supplementary section which discusses dictionaries, clues to word origin based on spelling, and clues to word origin based on meaning. Although younger children will enjoy the illustrations, readers under ten years old may have difficulty with the content. However, The Journey of English is a valuable teaching tool for anyone interested in the English language.

Recommended reading level: Age 11-14

Reviewed by Cynthia McDaniel

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