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The Kingdom of Speech
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Check link for latest rating. ( 2,438 ratings, 498 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreFrom Alfred Russel Wallace, the Englishman who beat Darwin to the theory of natural selection but later renounced it, and through the controversial work of modern-day anthropologist Daniel Everett, who defies the current wisdom that language is hard-wired in humans, this author examines zig-zags of Darwinism, old and Neo, and and more.
From the author of The Bonfire of the Vanities, the maestro storyteller and reporter provocatively argues that what we think we know about speech and human evolution is wrong.
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Description
From the author of The Bonfire of the Vanities, the maestro storyteller and reporter provocatively argues that what we think we know about speech and human evolution is wrong.
'A great journalist with a whip-like satirical prose style... Wolfe's great gift is to make the heavy seem light and this book is such an entertaining polemic that I read it in a day and immediately wanted to read it again.' - Bryan Appleyard, Sunday Times
Tom Wolfe, whose legend began in journalism, takes us on an eye-opening journey through language. The Kingdom of Speech is a paradigm-shifting argument that speech - not evolution - is responsible for humanity's complex societies and achievements.
From Alfred Russel Wallace, the Englishman who beat Darwin to the theory of natural selection but later renounced it, and through the controversial work of modern-day anthropologist Daniel Everett, who defies the current wisdom that language is hard-wired in humans, Wolfe examines the solemn, long-faced, laugh-out-loud zig-zags of Darwinism, old and Neo, and finds it irrelevant here in our Kingdom of Speech.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Tom Wolfe's The Kingdom of Speech has been praised for its whip-like satirical prose and engaging polemic style, making it an entertaining and fast read. Reviewers commend Wolfe's ability to write with energy and insight, maintaining fluency and vigour throughout the book. The narrative is recognised for its captivating, high-velocity prose and gleeful energy, with Wolfe's point of view receiving significant appreciation.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781784704896
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 31 August 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 13.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 158g
Pages: 192
About the Author
Tom Wolfe (1930-2018) was the author of more than a dozen books, among them The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, The Right Stuff, The Bonfire of the Vanities, A Man in Full, I Am Charlotte Simmons and Back to Blood. He received the National Book Foundation's 2010 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
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