The Joys of Engrish

by Steve Caires

Welcome to the world of Engrish-an alternate- reality version of the English language, which finds its greatest expression in Japanese advertising and product design. Based on the popular website Engrish.com, The Joys of Engrish is a full-color parade of images that highlight the most outrageous and riotous-yet oddly insightful-misuses of English.     
Compiler Steve Caires created Engrish.com, which showcases the finest examples of the art, and has now become one of the most popular entertainment sites on the Web. What started out with a cult following is now a worldwide phenomenon generating Web traffic of five to six million visitors a year (and rising), plus a hugely successful line of merchandise.
 
As an Engrishman himself might say of the book, "Please make sure to enjoy your pleasant with vigor!"

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Language, Travel, Japan

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2005

Reviews

[Xanthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books that amuse me but rarely do I come across one that makes me cackle out aloud. I was looking through this one at work, on my breaks, and just laughing away. I HAD to lend it to my Japanese co-worker who thought it was hilarious and is now going to show it to her husband who although is not Japanese, lived and worked there. This book is just too damn funny. Off to look at the website now...

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm never above laughing at the ignorance of other people and other cultures, largely because I invite them to laugh at me and mine as well. This did the job and garnered a few chuckles. Nowhere near some of the classics like the National Lampoon books of the past.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha Ha! Funny Japanese English used in very awkward ways. The book was good, but not nearly as comprehensive as the website: www.engrish.com. Check it out for a laugh.......

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nope, this will never not be funny.

[Les Gehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read, but also very funny.

[Jeremy Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky and amusing. More of a flip-through coffee table book. Some incredibly funny and odd graphics on display in here.

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless. Every page left me helpless with laughter. It's rather sobering to think that this easy-to-butcher language is now the worldwide lingua franca.