The Adventure of English

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.

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.

My husband had loved this series when it was on UK television. He had always wanted to see it again.

I was fortunate to start a language degree with the Open University (long-distance learning in England). This complete series (all 8 episodes) came on DVD as part of my course. My in-laws wanted a copy, so I looked around and discovered how hard it is to get hold of another copy!

I have found a website in Australia, who charge a very reasonable amount and do international shipping. The website is: www.devoteddvd.com Hope this helps everyone who are after the complete series. I highly recommend it!

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 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!!!