The Adventure of English

I can't recommend this too highly.

Bragg is an unpretentious host as he guides us through the historical development of the English language. Many people don't know or care how or why Americans say "fore-head" while Brits say "forrid." Or why "honor" is spelled (or spellt) "honour" in the Old Country. There aren't many pivot points that can be traced to one man but that change can be.

The format is pleasant, relaxed, and undemanding. I wish it had been available when I was teaching a course in "Language and Culture" because this covers many of the same bases -- not just language but history as well.

Watch it.

What a waste that such a valuable and fascinating educational tool (for public and schools) is locked in the ITV vaults to be seen rarely and at odd programming times by people who happen across it. I also have seen only one program, and have been itching to buy it since.

The information is presented in a logical, easy-to-remember manner. The style is interesting and clever. Re-enactments and characterisations are well done.

I am not aware of another program like it in content or in purpose. It melds the study of English grammar with an understanding of British history in a very clear and concise manner, linking many areas of knowledge most people would not have connected themselves.

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'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.

Bragg displays, once again, his priceless gift of making the academic accessible, of educating without patronising. The development of English (past, current situation, future) is a huge, multi-faceted but potentially dull, topic. This series, with each episode pursuing a different theme or perspective, manages to give a substantial overview while leaving the viewer wanting more. However much you thought you knew about the history of the language, the diversity of its worldwide impact and the forces influencing its continuing development, this series will, almost certainly, broaden your understanding whilst entertaining with engaging detail.

The negatives are all to do with how poorly ITV handled its broadcast, relegating it to a graveyard, late Sunday evening, slot with minimal promotion or trailing. As far as I can ascertain, there are no plans for a repeat, nor has there been a DVD/Video release. Very frustrating, as I would love to watch the series again.