The King's English (Penguin Modern Classics)

by KingsleyAmis (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  2011

  $11.68

  An indispensable companion for readers, writers, and even casual users of the language, the Penguin Modern Classics edition of Kingsley Amis's The King's English features a new introduction by Martin Amis. The King's English is Kingsley Amis's authoritative and witty guide to the use and abuse of the English language. A scourge of illiteracy and a thorn in the side of pretension, Amis provides indispensable advice about the linguistic blunders that lie in wait for us, from danglers and four-letter words to jargon and even Welsh rarebit. If you have ever wondered whether it's acceptable to start a sentence with 'and', to boldly split an infinitive, or to cross your sevens in the French style, Amis has the answer - or a trenchant opinion. By turns reflective, acerbic and provocative, The King's English is for anyone who cares about how the English language is used. Kingsley Amis (1922-1995), born in London, wrote poetry, criticism, and short stories, but is best remembered as the novelist whose works offered a comic deconstruction of post-war Britain. Amis explored his disillusionment with British society in novels such as Lucky Jim (1954) and That Uncertain Feeling (1955); his other works include The Green Man (1970) Stanley and the Women (1984), and The Old Devils (1986) which won the Booker Prize. If you enjoyed The King's English you might like Amis's Lucky Jim, also available in Penguin Modern Classics. 'A terrific book ... learned, robust, aggressive, extremely funny' Sebastian Faulks

• Used

  Paperback
  1998

  $3.60

  Posthumously published, the great man's trenchant, provocative and authoritative guide to the use and abuse of the English language. Sir Kingsley Amis, who died in 1995, occupied a unique position in the world of English letters: elder statesman, former angry young man, latter-day curmudgeon and, above all, comic novelist of genius. In all his work, and throughout his life, the use and abuse of the English language was one of his principal concerns. The King's English pungently, entertainingly and concisely conveys his love and knowledge of the subject to new generations of readers and writers. Here can be found all those linguistic pitfalls ('crescendo', 'disinterested', 'enormity') which lie in wait for the ignorant or the careless. And if you've ever wondered whether it's acceptable to start a sentence with 'and', or what you risk revealing about yourself by your pronunciation of 'liqueur', or whether or not to cross your 7s in the French style, Amis has the answer. By turns reflective, acerbic, combative and controversial, The King's English will find a place on the shelves of anyone who values the English language and cares about the way in which it is used.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1997

  $4.25