Don Robb

I really enjoyed this book, and I think any introductory language class would benefit from it, no matter what age level they may be. Adults might be a little put off by the childish appearance and the cartoonish illustrations, but the accuracy and density of material covered in this little but powerful book really makes it an excellent addition to any language classroom. The vagarites of Latin, all the exceptions and weird, apparently random spelling changes make complete sense once tied to show more the understanding both of how the letters themselves changed and how the world changed around them. The illustrations of the ancient letterings and the explanation of the evolution of certain letters are really well planned out. The page on the relationship between "C" and "G' is especiallyvery well explained, something my professors never bothered to fully enumerate. Don Robb's credentials as provided in the book aren't particularly impressive, but the content of the book shows that he can explain things well to people of any age by not assuming that the reader is incapable. show less

Well-laid out and highly informative, this book traces the history of our alphabet, one letter at a time. This is an incredibly complicated history, but Don Robb has done the impossible and presented it in a clear, concise format. There is a map showing the geographical relationship between the different cultures who shaped the forms of each letter, and this helps clarify their interaction, and the way information traveled. Throughout the book are charts chronicling the various stages of show more each letter's evolution (from Sinaitic to Phoenician, Early Greek, Classical Greek, and finally Roman). These charts are consistent in style throughout the book. Moreover, the sections are supplemented with extra bits of information that help expand the reader's understanding of this history. Consequently, children are able to interact with this book however they want, whether it's just reading bits of trivia, or looking at various shapes in the charts, or reading this cover to cover. Fascinating stuff! show less

With "This is America: The American Spirit in Places and People", author Don Robb attempts to unify, rather than divide our country. He does this by focusing on ideals and dreams he believes we all share. Throughout the book, Robb writes about the people and places that have exhibited the 13 beliefs of liberty, equality, legal rights, rule of law, pioneer spirit, hardship, courage, hard work, education for all, diversity, free enterprise, creative spirit, and honor. Robb uses both recent show more examples and examples from our country's distant past. For example, under the heading of "Legal Rights", students can read about both Cesar Chavez and Independence Hall. Under the heading of "Diversity", students can read about the Navaho Code Talkers and San Francisco's Chinatown. Just in case students are interested in reading about other places and people that exhibit these ideals, Robb added a resource page in the back of the book. Christine Joy Pratt illustrated this book with wonderful scratchboard and watercolor drawings. When books address issues such as "ideals" (notice the word "values" is not used by the author), often some readers are bound to be offended. However, this book should not be offensive to anyone from either end of the political spectrum. Robb's "Pioneer Spirit and Free Enterprise" categories? Not offensive. Robb's "Diversity" examples? Not offensive. Maybe Robb is a tightrope walker as well as a historian and writer. show less

This book presents a thorough, colorful analysis and history of language, linking the need to communicate with the development of written language, and finally the origins of the roman alphabet. Young readers will enjoy the pictures and will gain a lesson in history without knowing it; adults will also learn something new. (For example, I think many readers, young and old, will be surprised to learn just how far the history of language relates to the Middle East-- and how closely related show more Sinaitic and Phoenician letters are.) This book can be read from start to finish or picked up once in awhile, one letter at a time, in or out of order. A true "400s" text, this can also be used as a reference or excellent supplemental source in any social studies classroom. show less