Shashi Tharoor’s latest work, A Wonderland of Words, is a celebration of the English language and its intricate beauty, quirks, and rich history. Known for his mastery of words and engaging style, Tharoor invites readers into a world where words are not only tools of communication but also sources of joy, intrigue, and intellectual wonder. Across 101 essays, he explores a vast array of topics, from the peculiarities of English grammar and spelling to the fascinating evolution of certain words and phrases, making complex linguistic concepts accessible and enjoyable. The book A Wonderland of Words: Around the World in 101 Essays by Shashi Tharoor is set to be published on August 30, 2024
The book strikes a balance between deep insights and humor. Tharoor dissects English language idiosyncrasies, addressing contronyms (words with contradictory meanings), palindromes, and even “bacronyms.” His explanations offer readers a glimpse into both everyday language errors and high-level literary devices that evoke appreciation for the language’s flexibility. Tharoor’s essays also cover variations of English globally—highlighting differences between British, American, and Indian English, often illustrating his points with witty anecdotes that keep the tone light and engaging.
Critics have praised A Wonderland of Words for its mix of erudition and wit, noting that even complex terms and obscure linguistic phenomena are made approachable through Tharoor’s humorous and clear writing style. He manages to demystify jargon and the arbitrary nature of language rules, such as spelling inconsistencies, while also celebrating English’s global adaptations and its role in cross-cultural connections.
Overall, this book is ideal for language enthusiasts, bibliophiles, and anyone curious about the shades of English. Tharoor’s essays not only entertain but also deepen one’s understanding of language as a living, evolving entity. It is a recommended read for those looking to explore the rich language of English in a way that is both informative and endlessly delightful.
For further details, consider exploring more about A Wonderland of Words on Aleph Book Company’s website, as well as reviews available on Deccan Chronicle and Loksatta.
Shashi Tharoor: A Literary Luminary
Shashi Tharoor is a prominent Indian author, politician, and diplomat, known for his insightful writings and long career in public service. He has written 26 books across genres, including fiction and non-fiction. Some of his latest works include The Less You Preach, The More You Learn (co-authored with Joseph Zacharias), Ambedkar: A Life, and Pride, Prejudice, and Punditry: The Essential Shashi Tharoor. His books often explore Indian history, culture, and global affairs, with a distinctive blend of humour and deep understanding of language.
Tharoor previously served as an Under Secretary-General at the United Nations, where he worked on various global issues, and later joined Indian politics. He has held roles as Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Minister of State for External Affairs in India. Currently, he is in his fourth term as a Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram and has chaired key committees in the Indian Parliament, including the Standing Committees on External Affairs and Information Technology.
A celebrated writer, Tharoor has received numerous awards, including India’s Sahitya Akademi Award for his contributions to literature in English, the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Books (non-fiction), the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and Crossword Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also a frequent columnist and speaker on topics like Indian politics, history, and international relations, making him one of India’s most influential intellectual voices today.
A Wonderland of Words: Around the World is described as an enlightening and entertaining journey through the richness of words, exploring everything from linguistic quirks to literary techniques. Through 101 essays, Tharoor dives into topics like acronyms, oxymorons, bacronyms, contronyms, kennings, metaphors, similes, idioms, euphemisms, palindromes, and the nuances of punctuation, and much more. This book presenting language not just as a communication tool but as a world of fun and intellectual stimulation.
Newspapers Praise Tharoor’s Insightful Take on Language
The Deccan Chronicle and Loksatta have shared insights into Shashi Tharoor’s book, A Wonderland of Words: Around the World in 101 Essays, focusing on the author’s deep love for the English language and his fascination with its complexities. The Deccan Chronicle praises Tharoor’s ability to explore both obscure and everyday terms with wit, covering topics like word origins, figures of speech, and linguistic quirks. Tharoor delves into nuanced linguistic phenomena such as American and British English variations, Indian English peculiarities, and unique devices like “crash blossoms” (unexpectedly ambiguous newspaper headlines).
The review also highlights Tharoor’s playful critiques of hyper-politically correct language, where he advocates for clarity over excessive sensitivity. His books feature over 100 essays inspired by Tharoor’s column in Khaleej Times, covering various linguistic quirks and cultural anecdotes surrounding the English language. Tharoor dives into topics like peculiar spellings, quirky punctuation, and the influence of various languages on English. His witty reflections on words and the stories they tell make it both entertaining and educational, appealing to those interested in language and etymology.
Tharoor’s approach is noted for blending humor with knowledge, drawing readers into the complexities of English in a light-hearted way. His exploration is broad, covering slang, euphemisms, political correctness, and even the rise of newly coined terms. This playful, intellectual journey is further enriched by his personal experiences and observations, which invite readers to reflect on their own relationship with language.
Meanwhile, Loksatta emphasizes the book’s entertaining approach, noting how Tharoor’s vast vocabulary and humorous commentary make for an engaging read, even for readers unfamiliar with advanced linguistic concepts. Both reviews agree that Tharoor’s characteristic style a blend of erudition and humour makes A Wonderland of Words a delightful journey into the art and science of language, appealing to both language enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
Availability of Book: A Wonderland of Words
A Wonderland of Words: Around the World in 101 Essays” by Shashi Tharoor is widely available on major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The book, published by Aleph Book Company, offers an exploration into the English language’s nuances, covering grammar, idioms, metaphors, and much more through Tharoor’s insightful and witty prose. It has been well-received by readers, especially those who enjoy linguistic details and playful commentary on language.
You can purchase the hardcover edition of the book on Amazon for around ₹789, and on Flipkart, where it is currently available for a discounted price of ₹746. These platforms often feature additional offers, such as cashback on selected cards and bundle discounts, making it convenient to pick up this celebrated work from Tharoor for language enthusiasts.
Publishers View on A Wonderland of Words
This book is a captivating journey into the richness of the English language. It explores the mysteries of grammar, celebrates the art of literary devices, and probes into the history and evolution of English. With wit and charm, A Wonderland of Words brings to life the beauty and intricacies of language for readers who appreciate its power and allure.
With wit, wisdom, and a dash of humor, Shashi Tharoor uncovers the true magic of language, making this an essential read for lovers of words and literature alike.
Reader Impressions on A Wonderland of Words: Around the Word
Impressive Insight for Language Lovers: Many readers find this book an enriching experience, filled with Tharoor’s exceptional linguistic style. His playful use of language leaves an impact, making this book a prized possession for those who appreciate eloquence.
Aesthetically Pleasing and Thought-Provoking: The book’s beautiful cover catches attention, reflecting the engaging content inside. It combines humor and intellect, with a style that readers describe as fascinating and crisp.
Minor Concerns and Overall Satisfaction: While some note that the page quality could be improved, the content quality more than compensates. The book is highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of English in a fun, cultural context.
Shashi Tharoor’s Mastery of Language and Lifelong Dedication to Learning: Shashi Tharoor is truly remarkable. His mastery of language and ability to create phrases that leave a lasting impression is awe-inspiring. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident; despite his age, he remains an incredibly insightful and thoughtful individual.
An Engaging and Thought-Provoking Read: This book is a gem that truly lives up to its cover. From the very beginning, it captivates with engaging and thought-provoking content. The introductory section draws readers in, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the book. As you delved into the first chapter, we found thoroughly engrossed, without any hint of frustration or boredom. The book promises to be an intellectually stimulating and delightful read, filled with insights and knowledge.
Final Thought
Shashi Tharoor’s A Wonderland of Words is an engaging exploration of language that captivates and informs. With each essay, readers journey through the fascinating quirks and wonders of English, leaving them eager to probe into their own linguistic interests. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves words and seeks a deeper understanding of how language evolves. Get ready to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired to see language in a whole new light!
