Crew Review: King Alfred's English

Honestly, I'm not even sure where to begin with this review. I am absolutely blown away with what I read, learned, and the laugh out loud moments I had while reading this. I couldn't keep it to myself! My poor husband constantly heard, "listen to this". This book has my all time highest praise of any review that I've done so far. Before I go on, I must say that this a book that belongs on every bookshelf in America! I want all my homeschooling mamas to read it.

Warning: Once you pick it up - you will not put it down. I could not stop until I reached the end. Laurie's writing style is so engaging that it keeps you interested and blown away the whole time. I cannot wait for my softcover book to arrive so I can use it as one of our read aloud books for the year! I received a Kindle version for review. I want it on my shelf too!!!

Okay, let me back up. What is King Alfred's English? Well, it is the story of how we got the Bible in English and it’s influence upon our language. It is recommended for grades 7-12 but I recommend it for younger students especially as a read aloud. :)

• What were the driving ideas behind the Reformation?
• Are the New Testament documents really reliable and how do they compare to other ancient manuscripts?
• Why was translating the Bible into English punishable by death?
• …and what does all THAT have to do with the history of English?

Did you know?

• The English were NOT the British. In fact, they fought each other…a lot. And still today, if you call an English person British, he might very well correct you even though he knows you probably won’t understand.
• You probably don’t pronounce the word “when” like your parents. When you say “when” and “win,” do these words sound the same? If you’re under 50, they probably do. If you’re older, you may still pronounce the sound of the “h” and the words sound slightly different. I still pronounce the “h,” do you?
• The Brothers Grimm compiled German fairy tales, but they were also famous philologists (and what IS a philologist?)
• There’s a law for the way languages change that backs up Intelligent Design.
• For over 300 years the official language of the English court was…French! Seriously. But the English were always fighting the French. That’s true. Find out why.
• There’s a reason we write “knight” but say “nite,” and you won’t believe how they used to pronounce it.
• It was once punishable by death to translate even portions of the Bible into English! Yikes!
• Recent scholarship has shown that at least 80% of the King James Bible is the translation work of just one man. Who was he?

There is so much information is this 170 page book! Also available are tests and worksheets for FREE at The Shorter Word.  These would be great supplements for an older student.

 I am absolutely sure you will learn something. King Alfred's English is a fairly new publication (January 2010) which may be why I've never heard of it but I certainly want that to change. I can't wait to tell everyone I know about it!  

In fact, Laurie has been so generous as to offer 5 of my readers a discount code so you too can line your bookshelf with this treasure! The first 5 people to comment and leave me their email address before August 15 will receive the code and can get the softcover version for only $8.47! 

King Alfred's English is available at several online retailers.  Here are a few of them...

CBD 
RAINBOW RESOURCE
Grace and Truth BooksAmazon.com [search inside the book and read an excerpt] 

It is also available as a kindle purchase for only $5.95.

Be sure to check out what my fellow crew members thought about King Alfred's English.

**Disclaimer: As a member of The Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received a free e-book in exchange for my review. The opinions here are my honest and true evaluation.