Reviews

History in English Words by Owen Barfield, W.H. Auden

twhitehead's review against another edition

Mixed feelings here. There are many linguistic insights that I enjoyed, but as the book goes on it becomes repetitive and suffers from a lack of focus. I also can't stand to read a delusional Christian blab on about religion and spirituality. Although it was interesting to realize that Christianity ripped off all of its central ideas from Greek Mystery cults. Weird stuff.

catmorg128's review against another edition

5.0

This was fascinating although I had no idea what was being said at times. I love words and so I loved this book. I need to read it again. There was a lot to think about.

Part of the reason I read this was because Owen Barfield was in with C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Also...words. :)

hayesstw's review against another edition

4.0

Barfield looks at the English language and the dates at which certain words entered the language, and what this can tell us of the prevailing social conditions. He takes this right back to words common to various Indo-European languages.

theinquisitxor's review against another edition

3.0

I’m sure to a linguist this is a great book, but sadly I’m not a linguist. Many interesting things, but a tad bit boring for me