Random House New Releases - Language Arts

Heat and Light by Mike Wallace

2010-07-13T00:30:00-05:00

Heat and Light Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists
Written by Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

Trade Paperback, 288 pages | Three Rivers Press | Reference; Language Arts - Journalism | $14.00 | 978-0-307-46465-1 (0-307-46465-2)

Heat and Light by Beth Knobel

2010-07-13T00:30:00-05:00

Heat and Light Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists
Written by Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

eBook, 288 pages | Three Rivers Press | Reference; Language Arts - Journalism | $14.00 | 978-0-307-46466-8 (0-307-46466-0)

Poison Penmanship by Jessica Mitford

2010-07-13T00:30:00-05:00

Poison Penmanship The Gentle Art of Muckraking
Written by Jessica Mitford

Trade Paperback, 288 pages | NYRB Classics | Language Arts - Journalism | $15.95 | 978-1-59017-355-8 (1-59017-355-4)

Jessica Mitford was a member of one of England’s most legendary families (among her sisters were the novelist Nancy Mitford and the current Duchess of Devonshire) and one of the great muckraking journalists of modern times. Leaving England for America, she pursued a career as an investigative reporter and unrepentant gadfly, publicizing not only the misdeeds of, most famously, the funeral business (The American Way of Death, a bestseller) and the prison business (Kind and Usual Punishment), but also of writing schools and weight-loss programs. Mitford’s diligence, unfailing skepticism, and acid pen made her one of the great chroniclers of the mischief people get up to in the pursuit of profit and the name of good. Poison Penmanship collects seventeen of Mitford’s finest pieces—about everything from crummy spas to network-TV censorship—and fills them out with the story of how she got the scoop and, no less fascinating, how the story developed after publication. The book is a delight to read: few journalists have ever been as funny as Mitford, or as gifted at getting around in those dark, cobwebbed corners where modern America fashions its shiny promises. It’s also an unequaled and necessary manual of the fine art of investigative reporting.

Discovering Words in the Kitchen by Julian Walker

2010-05-18T00:30:00-05:00

Discovering Words in the Kitchen
Written by Julian Walker

Trade Paperback, 96 pages | Shire | Language Arts & Disciplines - Etymology | $13.95 | 978-0-7478-0776-6 (0-7478-0776-0)

Throughout history, the English language has reflected social changes, trade routes, and waves of fashion. This book examines the histories of the names of foods, ingredients, utensils, drinks, cooking methods, and dishes to show how the vocabulary of English has reflected the ways speakers of the language have interacted with their tastes, their environment and other cultures.

250 words which have entered English over the past fifteen hundred years are examined, ranging from Old English adoptions from Latin via French, to U.S. adoptions from Chinese. Changes of spelling and meaning and disagreements about the history of the words are discussed, supported by references within the text to authoritative food historians and dictionary writers from Johnson and Webster to the most recent publications.

In the Land of Invented Languages by Arika Okrent

2010-05-11T00:30:00-05:00

In the Land of Invented Languages A Celebration of Linguistic Creativity, Madness, and Genius
Written by Arika Okrent

Trade Paperback, 352 pages | Spiegel & Grau | Language Arts - Linguistics | $16.00 | 978-0-8129-8089-9 (0-8129-8089-1)

Just about everyone has heard of Esperanto, which was nothing less than one man’s attempt to bring about world peace by means of linguistic solidarity. And every Star Trek fan knows about Klingon, which was nothing more than a television show’s attempt to create a tough-sounding language befitting a warrior race with ridged foreheads. But few people have heard of Babm, Blissymbolics, and the nearly nine hundred other invented languages that represent the hard work, high hopes, and full-blown delusions of so many misguided souls over the centuries.

In In The Land of Invented Languages, author Arika Okrent tells the fascinating and highly entertaining history of man’s enduring quest to build a better language. Peopled with charming eccentrics and exasperating megalomaniacs, the land of invented languages is a place where you can recite the Lord’s Prayer in John Wilkins’s Philosophical Language, say your wedding vows in Loglan, and read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in Lojban.

A truly original new addition to the booming category of language books, In The Land of Invented Languages will be a must-have on the shelves of all word freaks, grammar geeks, and plain old language lovers.

From the Hardcover edition.

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign by Penny Warner

2010-05-04T00:30:00-05:00

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign Sing and Sign the Classics with Your Baby . . . Before Your Baby Can Talk!
Written by Penny Warner

eBook, 256 pages | Three Rivers Press | Language Arts - Sign Language | $15.99 | 978-0-307-46094-3 (0-307-46094-0)

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign by Penny Warner

2010-05-04T00:30:00-05:00

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign Sing and Sign the Classics with Your Baby . . . Before Your Baby Can Talk!
Written by Penny Warner

Trade Paperback, 256 pages | Three Rivers Press | Language Arts - Sign Language | $15.99 | 978-0-307-46043-1 (0-307-46043-6)

My Bibliofile by Potter Style

2010-03-30T00:30:00-05:00

My Bibliofile A Reading Journal for Book Lovers
Written by Potter Style

Non-traditional book, 160 pages | Potter Style | Language Arts - Readers | $12.99 | 978-0-307-46537-5 (0-307-46537-3)

Reading Journal by Potter Style

2010-03-30T00:30:00-05:00

Reading Journal For Book Lovers
Written by Potter Style

Non-traditional book, 160 pages | Potter Style | Language Arts - Readers | $12.99 | 978-0-307-59166-1 (0-307-59166-2)

Lit Wit Deck by Richard Lederer

2010-03-16T00:30:00-05:00

Lit Wit Deck 100 Trivia Cards to Boost Your Book Smarts
Written by Richard Lederer

Non-traditional book, 100 pages | Potter Style | Language Arts - Readers | $16.99 | 978-0-307-46536-8 (0-307-46536-5)

The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel by Robert J. Ray

2010-02-16T00:30:00-05:00

The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Work
Written by Robert J. Ray

Trade Paperback, 272 pages | Watson-Guptill | Language Arts - Composition & Creative Writing | $16.99 | 978-0-8230-8443-2 (0-8230-8443-4)

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes by Daniel L. Everett

2009-11-03T00:30:00-05:00

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
Written by Daniel L. Everett

Trade Paperback, 320 pages | Vintage | Social Science - Anth/Cultural; Language Arts - Linguistics; Philosophy | $16.00 | 978-0-307-38612-0 (0-307-38612-0)

A riveting account of the astonishing experiences and discoveries made by linguist Daniel Everett while he lived with the Pirahã, a small tribe of Amazonian Indians in central Brazil.

Daniel Everett arrived among the Pirahã with his wife and three young children hoping to convert the tribe to Christianity. Everett quickly became obsessed with their language and its cultural and linguistic implications. The Pirahã have no counting system, no fixed terms for color, no concept of war, and no personal property. Everett was so impressed with their peaceful way of life that he eventually lost faith in the God he'd hoped to introduce to them, and instead devoted his life to the science of linguistics. Part passionate memoir, part scientific exploration, Everett's life-changing tale is riveting look into the nature of language, thought, and life itself.

Discovering Words by Julian Walker

2009-10-20T00:30:00-05:00

Discovering Words
Written by Julian Walker

Trade Paperback, 80 pages | Shire | Language Arts & Disciplines - Etymology | $13.95 | 978-0-7478-0749-0 (0-7478-0749-3)

For 1500 years English has built new words or taken them from other languages and changed their form and often their meaning to make them the words we use today. When we explore the journeys, arrivals and changes of these words, they present us with some extraordinary stories. School for example, comes indirectly from the Greek word for leisure, and lord is made from Old English words meaning keeper of bread.

This book presents the histories of some common words, showing how they have arrived at their present use and form. Entries are grouped into nearly twenty subject areas, such as home, transport, food; for each word the author shows how it was built from existing words, or how a root word in another language has been taken borrowed by English at a given point in history. Some of the voyages are via many other languages, some direct; some of them are extraordinary, some deceptively simple. Changes of spelling and meaning over time are presented, and where there are disagreements about where a word has come from these are discussed. The material is presented clearly and simply, and is supported by references within the text to previous writers and dictionaries.

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein

2009-10-13T00:30:00-05:00

Tokyo Vice An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan
Written by Jake Adelstein

Hardcover, 352 pages | Pantheon | True Crime - Organized Crime; Language Arts - Journalism; Travel - Asia - Japan | $26.00 | 978-0-307-37879-8 (0-307-37879-9)

From the only American journalist ever to have been admitted to the insular Tokyo Metropolitan Police press club: a unique, firsthand, revelatory look at Japanese culture from the underbelly up.

At nineteen, Jake Adelstein went to Japan in search of peace and tranquility. What he got was a life of crime . . . crime reporting, that is, at the prestigious Yomiuri Shinbun. For twelve years of eighty-hour workweeks, he covered the seedy side of Japan, where extortion, murder, human trafficking, and corruption are as familiar as ramen noodles and sake. But when his final scoop brought him face to face with Japan’s most infamous yakuza boss—and the threat of death for him and his family—Adelstein decided to step down . . . momentarily. Then, he fought back.

In Tokyo Vice, Adelstein tells the riveting, often humorous tale of his journey from an inexperienced cub reporter—who made rookie mistakes like getting into a martial-arts battle with a senior editor—to a daring, investigative journalist with a price on his head. With its vivid, visceral descriptions of crime in Japan and an exploration of the world of modern-day yakuza that even few Japanese ever see, Tokyo Vice is a fascination, and an education, from first to last.

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein

2009-10-13T00:30:00-05:00

Tokyo Vice An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan
Written by Jake Adelstein

eBook, 336 pages | Pantheon | True Crime - Organized Crime; Language Arts - Journalism; Travel - Asia - Japan | $26.00 | 978-0-307-37894-1 (0-307-37894-2)

Poemcrazy by Susan G. Wooldridge

2009-09-30T00:30:00-05:00

Poemcrazy Freeing Your Life with Words
Written by Susan G. Wooldridge

eBook, 224 pages | Three Rivers Press | Poetry; Language Arts - Composition & Creative Writing | $13.95 | 978-0-307-55912-8 (0-307-55912-2)

Following the success of several recent inspirational and practical books for would-be writers, Poemcrazy is a perfect guide for everyone who ever wanted to write a poem but was afraid to try. Writing workshop leader Susan Wooldridge shows how to think, use one's senses, and practice exercises that will make poems more likely to happen.

From the Hardcover edition.

Page Fright by Harry Bruce

2009-09-22T00:30:00-05:00

Page Fright Foibles and Fetishes of Famous Writers
Written by Harry Bruce

Hardcover, 360 pages | Douglas Gibson Books | Language Arts - Authorship; History; Biography & Autobiography - Literary | $25.95 | 978-0-7710-1712-4 (0-7710-1712-X)

A witty round-up of writers' habits that includes all the big names, such as Dickens, Flaubert, Tolstoy, Hemingway
At public events readers always ask writers how they write. The process fascinates them. Now they have a very witty book that ranges around the world and throughout history to answer their questions. All the great writers are here — Dickens, dashing off his work; Henry James dictating it; Flaubert shouting each word aloud in the garden; Hemingway at work in cafés with his pencil. But pencil or pen, trusty typewriter or computer, they all have their advocates. Not to mention the writers who can only keep the words flowing by writing naked, or while walking or listening to music — and generally obeying the most bizarre superstitions.

On Shakespeare’s works: “Fantastic. And it was all done with a feather!” — Sam Goldwyn

“I write nude, seated on a thick towel, and perhaps with a second towel around me.” — Paul West

“I’ve never heard of anyone getting plumber’s block, or traffic cop’s block.” — Allan Gurganus

“I’m a drinker with a writing problem.” — Brendan Behan

Page Fright by Harry Bruce

2009-09-22T00:30:00-05:00

Page Fright Foibles and Fetishes of Famous Writers
Written by Harry Bruce

eBook | Douglas Gibson Books | Language Arts - Authorship; History; Biography & Autobiography - Literary | $25.95 | 978-1-55199-317-1 (1-55199-317-1)

Religious Signing by Elaine Costello, Ph.D.

2009-08-26T00:30:00-05:00

Religious Signing A Comprehensive Guide For All Faiths
Written by Elaine Costello, Ph.D.

eBook, 240 pages | Bantam | Language Arts - Sign Language | $20.00 | 978-0-307-42295-8 (0-307-42295-X)

Since the fourth century, when Spanish monks first started signing to communicate during their vows of silence, sign language has been used in religious communities of all faiths. Present-day American Sign Language (ASL) carries on that tradition. Like any living language, it continues to grow and change to meet the communication needs of an ever more diverse religious population. This comprehensive guide, newly revised, updated, and expanded, gives you all the vocabulary you need to communicate effectively in any religious setting.

From Alleluia to Zizith, more than 750 signs and their specific meanings

Large, clear, upper-torso illustrations that show the corresponding movements of hands, body, and face

Easy-to-follow instructions to help you master the art of expressing signs

A complete index for quick access to any sign

With an essential section of religious “name signs,” the addition of signs for the Muslim faith, and an expanded selection of favorite verses, prayers, and blessings, this book is an indispensable resource for signers of all denominations. Written with expertise by an educator and author associated with the field of deafness for more than thirty years, it makes communicating by ASL in a religious setting simple and easy, no matter your level of experience.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

First Grade Language Arts Success (Sylvan Super Workbooks) by Sylvan Learning

2009-07-21T00:30:00-05:00

First Grade Language Arts Success (Sylvan Super Workbooks)
Written by Sylvan Learning

Trade Paperback, 320 pages | Sylvan Learning Publishing | Language Arts; Language Arts - Vocabulary; Language Arts - Spelling | $18.99 | 978-0-375-43030-5 (0-375-43030-X)

Each Super Workbook is a $39 value for just $18.99! Includes a $10 discount coupon off your child's Skills Assessment at a Sylvan Learning Center.

First Grade Language Arts Success uses a systematic, age- and grade-appropriate approach to help your child succeed in school. Each section within First Grade Language Arts Success uses activities and practice tools to improve your child's reading skills. The exercises in this 3-in-1 Super Workbook include spelling games and activities, vocabulary puzzles, and reading skill builders that will establish a strong foundation in the language arts and engage your child in learning.

Why Sylvan Products Work

Sylvan Learning Workbooks have won a Silver Medal Honors Award from the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) as a top book series for children in the elementary-aged category. The NAPPA is the nation's most comprehensive awards program for children's products and parenting resources, and has been critically reviewing products since 1990. The Award recognizes Sylvan Learning Workbooks as some of the most innovative and useful products geared to parents.

Sylvan's proven system inspires kids to learn and has helped children nationwide catch up, keep up, and get ahead in school. Sylvan has been a trusted partner for parents for thirty years, and has based their supplemental education success on programs developed through a focus on the highest educational standards and detailed research. Sylvan's line of educational products equips families with fun, effective, and grade-appropriate learning tools. Our workbooks and learning kits feature activities, stories, and games to reinforce the skills children need to develop and achieve their academic potential. Students will reap the rewards of improved confidence and a newfound love of learning.

Random House New Releases - Language Arts

Heat and Light by Mike Wallace

Heat and Light Advice for the Next Generation of JournalistsWritten by Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

Heat and Light by Beth Knobel

Heat and Light Advice for the Next Generation of JournalistsWritten by Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

Poison Penmanship by Jessica Mitford

Poison Penmanship The Gentle Art of MuckrakingWritten by Jessica Mitford

Discovering Words in the Kitchen by Julian Walker

Discovering Words in the Kitchen Written by Julian Walker

In the Land of Invented Languages by Arika Okrent

In the Land of Invented Languages A Celebration of Linguistic Creativity, Madness, and GeniusWritten by Arika Okrent

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign by Penny Warner

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign Sing and Sign the Classics with Your Baby . . . Before Your Baby Can Talk!Written by Penny Warner

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign by Penny Warner

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign Sing and Sign the Classics with Your Baby . . . Before Your Baby Can Talk!Written by Penny Warner

My Bibliofile by Potter Style

My Bibliofile A Reading Journal for Book LoversWritten by Potter Style

Reading Journal by Potter Style

Reading Journal For Book LoversWritten by Potter Style

Lit Wit Deck by Richard Lederer

Lit Wit Deck 100 Trivia Cards to Boost Your Book SmartsWritten by Richard Lederer

The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel by Robert J. Ray

The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your WorkWritten by Robert J. Ray

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes by Daniel L. Everett

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes Life and Language in the Amazonian JungleWritten by Daniel L. Everett

Discovering Words by Julian Walker

Discovering Words Written by Julian Walker

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein

Tokyo Vice An American Reporter on the Police Beat in JapanWritten by Jake Adelstein

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein

Tokyo Vice An American Reporter on the Police Beat in JapanWritten by Jake Adelstein

Poemcrazy by Susan G. Wooldridge

Poemcrazy Freeing Your Life with WordsWritten by Susan G. Wooldridge

Page Fright by Harry Bruce

Page Fright Foibles and Fetishes of Famous WritersWritten by Harry Bruce

Page Fright by Harry Bruce

Page Fright Foibles and Fetishes of Famous WritersWritten by Harry Bruce

Religious Signing by Elaine Costello, Ph.D.

Religious Signing A Comprehensive Guide For All FaithsWritten by Elaine Costello, Ph.D.

First Grade Language Arts Success (Sylvan Super Workbooks) by Sylvan Learning

First Grade Language Arts Success (Sylvan Super Workbooks) Written by Sylvan Learning

Heat and Light Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists
Written by Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

Heat and Light Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists
Written by Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

Poison Penmanship The Gentle Art of Muckraking
Written by Jessica Mitford

Discovering Words in the Kitchen
Written by Julian Walker

In the Land of Invented Languages A Celebration of Linguistic Creativity, Madness, and Genius
Written by Arika Okrent

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign Sing and Sign the Classics with Your Baby . . . Before Your Baby Can Talk!
Written by Penny Warner

Baby's Favorite Rhymes to Sign Sing and Sign the Classics with Your Baby . . . Before Your Baby Can Talk!
Written by Penny Warner

My Bibliofile A Reading Journal for Book Lovers
Written by Potter Style

Reading Journal For Book Lovers
Written by Potter Style

Lit Wit Deck 100 Trivia Cards to Boost Your Book Smarts
Written by Richard Lederer

The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Work
Written by Robert J. Ray

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
Written by Daniel L. Everett

Discovering Words
Written by Julian Walker

Tokyo Vice An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan
Written by Jake Adelstein

Tokyo Vice An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan
Written by Jake Adelstein

Poemcrazy Freeing Your Life with Words
Written by Susan G. Wooldridge

Page Fright Foibles and Fetishes of Famous Writers
Written by Harry Bruce

Page Fright Foibles and Fetishes of Famous Writers
Written by Harry Bruce

Religious Signing A Comprehensive Guide For All Faiths
Written by Elaine Costello, Ph.D.

First Grade Language Arts Success (Sylvan Super Workbooks)
Written by Sylvan Learning