Edwin Newman (1919–2010)

It's a true pleasure to be reminded that there was a time when somone knew the difference between "less" and "fewer" - and cared. Witty, funny, and at times downright acerbic, Newman skewers those who abuse the language once known as English. And, although his title specifies America, he doesn't spare our brothers over the pond, either, turning his wit to various ways that the English mangle English, as well. He soon tires of that, and returns home, with a wide ranging look at pop culture, show more theatre, sports, and politics. The media come in for a fair share, as well. I'm afraid to recommend it to many modern readers, since he often throws the misuse out there without explanation, expecting his readers will be learned enough to catch the horrors, but common usage has become so degraded these days, I'm afraid many may not. show less

A quick and light overview of Medical Science from the antiquities to modern times. The audio is accidentally hilarious due to the exaggerated accent deliveries. What? Is that The Swedish Chef?

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did, because Edwin Newman was one of the outstanding team of NBC news analysts of the Huntley-Brinkley era. On the whole, if you're in the mood for being scolded about English usage, I'd suggest John Simon's Paradigms Lost in preference.

A pleasantly written guide to the history of English, and how to deploy it effectively. Certainly recommended for those aspiring to professionalism.