There is a story behind each letter of the alphabet. Why is the X the Unknown or shorthand for a Kiss? Which letter came last, historically, in the alphabet? (J) How did a few squggles, invented a thousand years ago to denote sounds of a now vanished Semetic language, survive to become our letters today? While China and Japan rely mainly on scripts of ideograms, three-quarters of humanity uses some kind of alphabet. Chinese writing requires 2000 basic symbols (but there's no language barrier), where an alphabet needs typically less than 30. From A-Z, David Sacks provides answers to the most fascinating questions about the way we talk, write and think in a book which will also be illustrated graphically throughout - not just with variations of individual letters but with maps, charts and general narrative images.

The Alphabet

Reference

Sacks, David

Encyclopedias & Subject Guides

Hutchinson

Encyclopaedia of the Ancient Greek World (History and Politics)

Constable Co

There is a story behind each letter of the alphabet. Why is X the Unknown or shorthand for a kiss? Which letter came last, historically, in the alphabet? (J). How did a few squiggles, invented a thousand years ago to denote sounds of a now vanished Semitic language, survive to become our letters today? While China and Japan rely mainly on scripts of ideograms, three-quarters of humanity uses some kind of alphabet. Chinese writing requires 2000 basic symbols (but there's no language barrier), where an alphabet needs typically less than 30. From A-Z, David Sacks provides answers to the most fascinating questions about the way we talk, write and think in a book which will also be illustrated graphically throughout - not just with variations of individual letters but with maps, charts and general narrative images.

Foreign Language Study & Reference

Random House]

More than four thousand years ago, a warrior people invaded the rugged hills and fertile plains of the Balkan Peninsula. These people were the ancient Greeks, and their legacy to modern global society is immense. The Greeks invented democracy, narrative history writing, stage tragedy and comedy, philosophy, biological study, and political theory. They introduced the alphabet to European languages and they developed monumental styles of architecture still used throughout the United States for museums, courthouses, and other public buildings. They created a system of sports competitions and a cult of physical fitness, both of which we have inherited. In sculpture, they perfected the representation of the human body. In geometry, they developed theorems and terminology that are still taught in schools. They created the idea of national literature, with its recognized great writers and the libraries to preserve their work. And, perhaps what most people would think of first, the Greeks bequeathed to us their treasure trove of myths, including a hero who remains a favorite today-Hercules. A Dictionary of the Ancient Greek World assembles the people, places, events, and ideas of this spectacular civilization in one easy-to-use source. With over five hundred entries and more than seventy line-drawings, this essential A-Z reference covers every aspect of Greek civilization, from the beginning of Minoan civilization in the third millennium B.C. to the Roman annexation of mainland Greece in 146 B.C. Detailing not only the loftiest achievements of the Greeks but also the ordinary facets of their everyday life-from the philosophy of Plato to Greek sexual attitudes-this extraordinary compendium illuminates the vitality and genius of that influential culture.

A Dictionary of the Ancient Greek World

History

Ancient Civilizations

Oxford University Press

Language Visible

Words, Language & Grammar

Knopf Canada

Letter Perfect: The A-to-Z History of Our Alphabet

Vintage Canada

The age of the metrosexual is over. Dead and buried. In places as diverse as Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Richmond, Miami, and Charleston, modern American men are ushering in a new golden age of hirsute pursuits. Denouncing the baby-smooth standard that society has set, men from around the world are reembracing their face in its most natural state. A select group of these well-whiskered men and their faithful Whiskerinas have taken this dedication a step further through the formation of their very own competitive community. Backed by the jackpot of good genetics and a well-oiled care routine, this group of grooming enthusiasts competes all over the world in hopes of recognition in the art of pogonotrophy. Step inside this whimsical, wild, and often-misunderstood world of competitive bearding through the lens of David Sacks. Comb through his collection of over 200 portraits and see for yourself how beautifully weird the beard can be.

Art of the Beard

Arts & Photography

Sacks, Angie

Photography & Video

Schiffer

Letters are tangible language. Joining together in endless combinations to actually show speech, letters convey our messages and tell our stories. While we encounter these tiny shapes hundreds of times a day, we take for granted the long, fascinating history behind one of the most fundamental of human inventions -- the alphabet. The heart of the book is the 26 fact-filled “biographies” of letters A through Z, each one identifying the letter’s particular significance for modern readers, tracing its development from ancient forms, and discussing its noteworthy role in literature and other media. We learn, for example, why the letter X has a sinister and sexual aura, how B came to signify second best, why the word “mother” in many languages starts with M, and what is the story of O. Packed with information and lavishly illustrated, Language Visible is not only accessible and entertaining, but essential to the appreciation of our own language.

Language Visible: Unraveling the Mystery of the Alphabet from A to Z

Historical Study & Educational Resources

Broadway Books

A fun, lively, and learned excursion into the alphabet—and cultural history. Letters are tangible language. Joining together in endless combinations to actually show speech, letters convey our messages and tell our stories. While we encounter these tiny shapes hundreds of times a day, we take for granted the long, fascinating history behind one of the most fundamental of human inventions: the alphabet. The heart of the book is the 26 fact-filled “biographies” of letters A through Z, each one identifying the letter’s particular significance for modern readers, tracing its development from ancient forms, and discussing its noteworthy role in literature and other media. We learn, for example, why the letter X has a sinister and sexual aura, how B came to signify second best, why the word “mother” in many languages starts with M, and what is the story of O. Packed with information and lavishly illustrated, Letter Perfect is accessible, entertaining, and essential to the appreciation of our own language.

Letter Perfect: The Marvelous History of Our Alphabet From A to Z

Crown

Alphabetically arranged entries cover history, politics, geography, philosophy, mythology, art, science, literature, and social issues

Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World

Bunson, Margaret

Murray, Oswyn

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