The Adventure of English

Like the other reviewer, my TiVo "suggested" this for me, also. The most interesting thing about the series is how the history of the English language is nothing short of a history of Great Britian itself. From the Romans to the Vikings to the Normans, speak one sentence in English and you're very likely to unwittingly pay homage to all three cultures. The series not a dry examination of disassociated English words. It's a fantastic story of a people, their contributions to the language, and how their relationships to each other helped shape what is today the universal language of communication. That a DVD priced for private audiences is not available is inexplicable. I have never bought a DVD of a documentary before, but would not hesitate to buy this set were it reasonably priced for the private consumer.

I caught this series at episode one back in February 2005 on the History Channel, purely by accident when my Tivo "decided" that I might like it. Well, Tivo was RIGHT! Since then, I've kept it on my Tivo and watched it 3 times! Yes, 3! I didn't have ANY idea that this kind of history could be so interesting. I've even shown it to friends who agree that this show is amazing! Who knew that the English language was so embattled for so long! Sadly, by the time I watched my recording the first time, I had missed the rest of the episodes, which have not aired again since that one showing. Therefore, I've only seen the first episode -- what a tease. I would buy it all on DVD/VHS in a heartbeat if it was available (other than the $930.00 educational version!! Yeesh!) So, if anyone at the History Channel is reading this, GET US a DVD set guys!!! This series rocks!!!

As a fairly disparate family we nonetheless found enough within each programme to keep us watching and waiting for the next gem of information. Whether it be the way a word in common use was pronounced or just the vast array of words available we were fascinated.

I heartily agree that this series is a treat to any of us who consciously enjoy the language of Britain and the States. Robin McNeil's "The Story of English" was nowhere near as lively as this.

Why is this show being relegated to obscurity? It is running (Feb 2005)on the History Channel (cable/satellite) at 4 a.m. on successive days. No repeats are scheduled here, either. I have seen it for sale on the Web for a mere $930 -- www.films.com. One negative comment on the History Channel showing -- it has been closed captioned with the cheaper, easier, roll-up style caps; the style with a large black box obscuring the video with scrolling caps. IMHO, pop-on CCs would greatly enhance "The Adventure of English" for all of us.

I've enjoyed watching this program on the History Channel, here in the US. It is now being rebroadcast (10/1/06), beginning, oddly, with the Norman Invasion.

Being multilingual, I do enjoy the emphasis upon WORDS by Melvyn Bragg. Particularly helpful is the provision of the background historical context. The section on the English bible was enjoyed.

Missing are other aspects of language, such as changes in grammar, syntax, punctuation, et cetera. Notably glossed over is the "great vowel shift" which made Chaucer's English sound more familiar to our modern ears. During the time of Chaucer, vowels were pronounced differently, but with the changes that came afterwards, words took on sounds familiar to us today.

All in all, however, an enjoyable program. While I wish it was on DVD, there is a book available.