Alphabetical

by Michel Rosen
Alphabetical cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 1109
  • Added: 2025-09-26
  • Updated: 2025-09-26
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Dallas News · 2015-02-28
captivating 4.25

The author's joy for language is infectious, making the book well-suited for reading chapters out of order to explore different aspects of the alphabet.

The reviewer highlights the author's infectious enthusiasm for language, which makes the book a joy to read. They appreciate the flexibility of the book's structure, allowing readers to explore chapters out of order and delve into specific aspects of the alphabet that interest them. The reviewer also notes the book's eclectic mix of history, humor, and trivia, making it both educational and entertaining. Overall, it's a captivating read that celebrates the love of language.

Quick quotes

    But Rosen's sheer joy in language is infectious, and Alphabetical is well-suited for dipping into chapters out of order, exploring vowels and consonants.

    The book's eclectic mix of history, humor, and trivia makes it both educational and entertaining.

    Alphabetical is a captivating read that celebrates the love of language.

The Boston Globe · 2015-02-11
engaging 4.00

The book is tightly structured yet digressive, blending deep research with a personal and improvisational feel. It offers a learned yet intensely personal journey through the alphabet's history.

The reviewer appreciates the book's unique structure, which is both tightly organized and free-flowing. They highlight how the author's deep research is seamlessly woven with personal anecdotes, making the history of the alphabet feel both educational and engaging. The reviewer also notes the book's rebellious undertones, particularly in its critique of modern reading education methods. Overall, it's a captivating blend of history, humor, and personal reflection.

Quick quotes

    Tightly structured yet highly digressive, deeply researched yet improvisational in feel, learned yet intensely personal.

    It offers a learned yet intensely personal journey through the alphabet's history.

    The book's rebelliousness is a feature, audible as the author complains about modern reading education.

Girl with her Head in a Book · Girl with her Head in a Book · 2014-07-14
delightful 4.50

Fans of the author will enjoy the wit and writing style, but the book also reveals a surprising depth of historical insights about the alphabet.

The reviewer, a known fan of the author, praises the book for its wit and engaging writing style. They were particularly impressed by the wealth of historical information hidden within the chapters, making it a delightful read for both casual readers and those interested in linguistics. The reviewer also notes that the book's structure, organized from A to Z, adds to its charm and makes it easy to dip in and out of. Overall, it's a well-written and informative journey through the alphabet's history.

Quick quotes

    For fans of Rosen it is no surprise that Alphabetical is witty and well-written but even I was truly blown away by how much history was hidden in the book.

    The book's structure, organized from A to Z, adds to its charm and makes it easy to dip in and out of.

    Alphabetical is a well-written and informative journey through the alphabet's history.

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