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ashleylm's review against another edition
4.0
Well-researched, well-written account of (for the most part) how some obscure punctuation marks developed in form over time (rather than slanted toward usage, say, although any history is necessarily going to touch on that). I'm not sure how much of the information will stay with me, but it was entertaining to read about at the time.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!
acejolras's review against another edition
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.0
An extremely readable and fascinating look at the history of a variety of punctuation marks, with a lot of history thrown in. Each chapter could stand alone but flowed together well and while the author has a blog on the same topic, this didn’t feel like material recycled haphazardly. The research was meticulous but presented at the right level for a lay reader.
cwgk85's review against another edition
5.0
A book about the history of (obscure and not so obscure) punctuation marks? Believe me, it's not as boring as you might think at first. This book is an interesting look into the origins of some of the punctuation marks you use every day ( and even some you might never have heard of). You won't think of writing the same way again once you've finished.
eraofkara's review against another edition
4.0
This witty and informative book is chock full of factual nuggets to annoy your friends with for hours. For example, that symbol of the little pointing hand is called a manicule (and also a fist)! And over the centuries the sleeves attached to the hand changed with men's fashions (flowing robe to businessman's sleeve). Hotcha!
vickiireads's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic book concerning the history of some of the most famous as well as unheard of characters in our punctuation. It's a well-researched and very engagingly-written book filled with fascinating little details about pilcrows and dashes and interrobangs and manicules and other such delightful marks. Houston explores the origins and evolution of these marks, how their uses have changed over time, and dredges up all manner of excellent stories about them.
Recommended for typography lovers, would also suggest checking out Just My Type by Simon Garfield.
Recommended for typography lovers, would also suggest checking out Just My Type by Simon Garfield.
stacialithub's review against another edition
3.0
A book for font/typography/punctuation nerds. The book jumps around through history, trying to pinpoint the origin of various marks. Some chapters succeed better than others. Overall, somewhat interesting, but probably of most interest to those that already have an interest in (or obsession with) typographical marks. Or maybe of interest if you'll be appearing on Jeopardy & need some additional arcane trivia at your fingertips.
slferg's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting look at the origins of punctuation and the signs - including the paragraph symbol, asterisk, dagger, various hyphens, etc. A look at origins, original usage - what that usage became. The influence of printing on these signs and symbols. Also, a look at efforts to establish new symbols as the interrobang, ironics and sarcastic marks for the elucidation of readers.