Peter Martin recounts the patriotic fervor in the early American republic to produce a definitive national dictionary that would rival Samuel Johnson's 1755 Dictionary of the English Language. But what began as a cultural war of independence from Britain devolved into a battle among lexicographers, authors, scholars, and publishers, all vying for dictionary supremacy and shattering forever the dream of a unified American language.

Peter Martin recounts the patriotic fervor in the early American republic to produce a definitive national dictionary that would rival Samuel Johnson's 1755 Dictionary of the English Language. But what began as a cultural war of independence from Britain devolved into a battle among lexicographers, authors, scholars, and publishers, all vying for dictionary supremacy and shattering forever the dream of a unified American language.

The English language is a battlefield. Since the age of Shakespeare, arguments over correct usage have been bitter, and have always really been about contesting values-morality, politics, and class. The Language Wars examines the present state of the conflict, its history, and its future. Above all, it uses the past as a way of illuminating the present. Moving chronologically, the book explores the most persistent issues to do with English and unpacks the history of "proper" usage. Where did these ideas spring from? Who has been on the front lines in the language wars? The Language Wars examines grammar rules, regional accents, swearing, spelling, dictionaries, political correctness, and the role of electronic media in reshaping language. It also takes a look at such details as the split infinitive, elocution, and text messaging. Peopled with intriguing characters such as Jonathan Swift, Lewis Carroll, and Lenny Bruce, The Language Wars is an essential volume for anyone interested in the state of the English language today or its future.

This second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Chinese Civil War studies the longer, broader war and its chronology carefully tracks the major events. The introduction then provides a broad overview, describing the contending forces, and showing how the Communists come out on top. The details, and these are crucial, are laid out in over 200 cross-referenced dictionary entries dealing with the opposing forces and parties, the major campaigns and battles, the Long March, and of course the leadership on both sides. This book, one of few such in English, provides a very solid basis for study, but that can be accomplished more effectively by consulting the titles listed in an extensive bibliography.

A reference work on the Napoleonic Wars which covers all the important soldiers, sailors, strategies, armaments and battles that shaped Napoleon's career. Includes information on the campaigns led by Napoleon as well as related events such as the Peninsular War.

Explore the characters, Droids™, aliens, and creatures of the latest chapter in the Star Wars™ saga in this definitive guide to Star Wars: The Force Awakens™. Written by Lucasfilm insider Pablo Hidalgo, Star Wars: The Force Awakens The Visual Dictionary offers an inside look into the film; and pop culture website i09 says the book "gives fascinating insight into the world behind the movie." Named a Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, the book's beautiful photography and authoritative text will also appeal to adult fans. Learn the names and explanations behind all the details of costumes, weapons, and accessories and discover the dark origins of Kylo Ren. Including three exclusive, specially-commissioned cutaway models produced by Industrial Light & Magic model maker John Goodson, Star Wars: The Force Awakens The Visual Dictionary is the perfect addition to any fan's bookshelf. © & TM 2016 LUCASFILM LTD. Used Under Authorization.

Annotated photographs and movie stills describe every important feature of the characters, creatures, costumes, droids, weapons, and equipment in the Star Wars trilogy