The Adventure of English

I heartily agree that this series is a treat to any of us who consciously enjoy the language of Britain and the States. Robin McNeil's "The Story of English" was nowhere near as lively as this.

Why is this show being relegated to obscurity? It is running (Feb 2005)on the History Channel (cable/satellite) at 4 a.m. on successive days. No repeats are scheduled here, either. I have seen it for sale on the Web for a mere $930 -- www.films.com. One negative comment on the History Channel showing -- it has been closed captioned with the cheaper, easier, roll-up style caps; the style with a large black box obscuring the video with scrolling caps. IMHO, pop-on CCs would greatly enhance "The Adventure of English" for all of us.

What a waste that such a valuable and fascinating educational tool (for public and schools) is locked in the ITV vaults to be seen rarely and at odd programming times by people who happen across it. I also have seen only one program, and have been itching to buy it since.

The information is presented in a logical, easy-to-remember manner. The style is interesting and clever. Re-enactments and characterisations are well done.

I am not aware of another program like it in content or in purpose. It melds the study of English grammar with an understanding of British history in a very clear and concise manner, linking many areas of knowledge most people would not have connected themselves.

I've enjoyed watching this program on the History Channel, here in the US. It is now being rebroadcast (10/1/06), beginning, oddly, with the Norman Invasion.

Being multilingual, I do enjoy the emphasis upon WORDS by Melvyn Bragg. Particularly helpful is the provision of the background historical context. The section on the English bible was enjoyed.

Missing are other aspects of language, such as changes in grammar, syntax, punctuation, et cetera. Notably glossed over is the "great vowel shift" which made Chaucer's English sound more familiar to our modern ears. During the time of Chaucer, vowels were pronounced differently, but with the changes that came afterwards, words took on sounds familiar to us today.

All in all, however, an enjoyable program. While I wish it was on DVD, there is a book available.

Bragg displays, once again, his priceless gift of making the academic accessible, of educating without patronising. The development of English (past, current situation, future) is a huge, multi-faceted but potentially dull, topic. This series, with each episode pursuing a different theme or perspective, manages to give a substantial overview while leaving the viewer wanting more. However much you thought you knew about the history of the language, the diversity of its worldwide impact and the forces influencing its continuing development, this series will, almost certainly, broaden your understanding whilst entertaining with engaging detail.

The negatives are all to do with how poorly ITV handled its broadcast, relegating it to a graveyard, late Sunday evening, slot with minimal promotion or trailing. As far as I can ascertain, there are no plans for a repeat, nor has there been a DVD/Video release. Very frustrating, as I would love to watch the series again.

I caught this series at episode one back in February 2005 on the History Channel, purely by accident when my Tivo "decided" that I might like it. Well, Tivo was RIGHT! Since then, I've kept it on my Tivo and watched it 3 times! Yes, 3! I didn't have ANY idea that this kind of history could be so interesting. I've even shown it to friends who agree that this show is amazing! Who knew that the English language was so embattled for so long! Sadly, by the time I watched my recording the first time, I had missed the rest of the episodes, which have not aired again since that one showing. Therefore, I've only seen the first episode -- what a tease. I would buy it all on DVD/VHS in a heartbeat if it was available (other than the $930.00 educational version!! Yeesh!) So, if anyone at the History Channel is reading this, GET US a DVD set guys!!! This series rocks!!!