The Story of English, Programs 1-9 | Peter Hall, John Barton (II)

The Story of English, Programs 1-9 | Peter Hall, John Barton (II) | SO GREAT!

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The Story of Engli...

	The Story of English, Programs 1-9 Peter Hall, John Barton (II) Homevision, 2001 average customer review:based on 13 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Encompassing history, geography, sociology, drama, language, arts, and more, The Story of English takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the history of the English language. Host Robert MacNeil travels the world to illustrate the language's global influence. Part travelogue, part linguistics, part history, and all fascinating, the series is a unique blend of solid scholarship and engrossing entertainment.

A "Gourmet" Meal of Entertainment

The opening begins with an Alitalia flight seeking landing instructions for Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome. Narrator, Robert MacNeil tells us the Italian pilot and the Italian air traffic controller are speaking in English, so influential is the English language. The music begins and you know you are viewing the equivalent of a surprise "gourmet" meal on an empty stomach, except this diet is for the mind and soul.

I eagerly anticipated learning the roots of my language with each weekly episode learning that the resilience of English lay in its adoption of new words from Shakespeare, Latin, Greek, Spanish, French, Dutch, Africa, Yiddish, German, Japanese, Chinese, the Bible, riverboat gamblers, railroad men, and American Indians, words and phrases that the average English speaker is unaware that its origin is an adoption or corruption from another place and another time. The assimilation of words from other languages has been the strength that has made English endure and become the language of diplomacy.

So, you decide. You may not wish to buy this because you want to "pass the buck," because you have a "one-track mind," because it is "all Greek" to you, because you're "on the warpath," or because you "slept not a wink." "It's not for "four flushers," those who "deal from the bottom of the deck," or for those just out of "kindergarten." Maybe you will change your mind, be a real "honcho" by "burying the hatchet," and "lasso" or "tote" a copy for your very own whether you live in New Hampshire, New Mexico or New York, unless you have "an axe to grind."

Is this worth the price? "And how!" I am absolutely "gung-ho" about this series.

It is a "gourmet" meal of entertainment. C'est la vie!

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SO GREAT!

A month or two ago, my AP English teacher played us one of the videos to this series. Considering the content and the fact that this is a somewhat old documentary, I had very low expectations...oh my god was I wrong. I have NEVER been so entertained by a documentary! There were all of these sayings and terms that I had completely forgotten about (or perhaps never heard) and it was so hilarious seeing the old fashions and technology. It was like opening a time capsule. The watcher can get a completely untainted opinion regarding all aspects of the culture of the late 80's / early 90's.

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Great show

I was recently reminded of seeing this series when it was on PBS... and I've got to say it was impressive. I was hoping it had been released on DVD, but since it hasn't I'll probably buy the VHS tapes. I'm not a teacher or professional linguist, but I found this miniseries to be really good. Its not only fascinatingly educational, but also entertaining. Just because most of the other reviews mention using it in class doesn't mean its not something worth watching at home for your own edutainment!

DVD, please. I'll take two.

Fascinating and fun. I found the partner book in a used book store, and it, too, is excellent. Even though the program is not au courant, it's a terrific educator for everyone, little and big. But, jeez, where's the DVD?

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A product worthy of being available on DVD!

This is an informative and engaging series that was brilliantly done in 1986. It traces the evolution of the English language. I want to buy this and use it but I can't believe that it isn't on DVD. A series this good (though some parts of it are a little dated) is something everyone who speaks English should see. Five stars are not enough.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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