A Grammar of the English Language

by William Cobbett, Hattersley (Introduction)

A Grammar of the English Language provides a fascinating snapshot of the language and grammar of the early nineteenth century. It was a controversial book, first published in 1818 in New York and in 1819 in London. The author, William Cobbett (1763-1835), was a champion of the poor who had
taught himself to read and write. His radicalism brought him into conflict with the authorities on many occasions. He reserved a special kind of venom for politicians, men of letters like Dr. Johnson, the lexicographer, and for Fellows of English Colleges, "who live by the sweat of other people's
brows."
Here, he criticizes these men for their poor command of English, which was (he says) no better than that of chambermaids, hucksters, and plough-boys. Written in the form of letters and lessons to his fourteen-year-old son, the Grammar is the most colorful and entertaining treatment of the
subject ever published. It gives advice on syntax and etymology, including "false grammar taken from Dr. Johnson's writing," "errors and nonsense in a king's speech," and "six lessons, intended to prevent Statesman from using false grammar."
This edition includes a new introduction by Lord Hattersley, which gives the book a modern perspective.

Genres: Language

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

William Cobbett (1763-1835) was an English pamphleteer, farmer and journalist. He believed that reforming Parliament and abolishing the rotten boroughs would help to end the poverty of farm labourers, and he attacked the borough-mongers, sinecurists and "tax-eaters" relentlessly. He was also against the Corn Laws, a tax on imported grain. Early in his career, he was a loyalist supporter of King and Country: but later he joined and successfully publicised the radical movement, which led to the Reform Bill of 1832, and to his winning the parliamentary seat of Oldham. Although he was not a Catholic, he became a fiery advocate of Catholic Emancipation in Britain. Through the seeming contradictions in Cobbett's life, two things stayed constant: an opposition to authority and a suspicion of novelty. He wrote many polemics, on subjects from political reform to religion, but is best known for his book from 1830, Rural Rides, which is still in print today.

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was vivid, acerbic, and entertaining, as well as educational. To think, something so humorous was written over 200 years ago! I really enjoyed this read.