The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language

by John McWhorter
The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Language and Linguistics
Technical
  • ID: 1220
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9781446472408
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-04-30
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Power of Babel,' John McWhorter takes readers on a captivating journey through the natural history of language, revealing the strange and wonderful ways languages evolve and adapt. From Russonorsk, a creole language spoken by fur trappers, to an Australian Aboriginal language with only three verbs, the book is filled with intriguing examples that showcase the diversity and complexity of human communication. /n/nMcWhorter's engaging and humorous writing style makes this book a delightful read for anyone interested in language. Whether you're a linguistics enthusiast or simply curious about the oddities of human speech, 'The Power of Babel' offers a fascinating look at the ways languages shape and reflect our world.

Reviews
Wesg Books · 2023-01-08
informative 4.50

The book is praised for its balance of detailed linguistic insights and accessibility to non-specialist readers. It is seen as a valuable resource for both linguists and general readers.

The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to cater to both specialist and general audiences. They highlight how the book provides enough detail to satisfy linguists while remaining accessible and engaging for lay readers. This balance makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the subject, regardless of their prior knowledge. The book's broad appeal is one of its strongest assets.

Quick quotes

    The book has enough detail to satisfy the most learned linguist and equally is general enough to be accessible to a non-specialist lay reader.

    This balance makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the subject.

    The book's broad appeal is one of its strongest assets.

Curious Reader · 2016-10-26
tedious 2.50

The book is criticized for being overly example-heavy, which makes it tedious to read. The reviewer suggests that the book could have been clearer with fewer examples.

The reviewer finds the book to be overly burdened with examples, which they feel disrupts the flow and clarity of the content. They believe that a more concise approach, with fewer examples, would have made the book more enjoyable and easier to understand. While the subject matter is interesting, the excessive use of examples detracts from the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It's so example-heavy that it becomes incredibly tedious to read.

    I think the book could've been clearer had the examples been cut severely from it.

    The excessive use of examples detracts from the overall reading experience.

Actuarial Eye · 2005-11-27
enlightening 4.50

The book effectively challenges the notion that “primitive” societies have primitive languages, making the subject both enjoyable and enlightening. It highlights the richness and complexity of all languages, regardless of their origin.

This review praises the book for its engaging and informative content, particularly in debunking myths about so-called primitive languages. The reviewer finds the systematic approach to linguistics refreshing and enjoyable, highlighting how the book makes complex concepts accessible and entertaining. The focus on the evolution and diversity of languages is particularly appreciated, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in linguistics.

Quick quotes

    This is at its most enjoyable when he systematically demolishes the myth that 'primitive' societies have primitive languages.

    The book effectively challenges the notion that some languages are inherently simpler or more primitive than others.

    McWhorter's writing style makes complex linguistic concepts both understandable and engaging.

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