The Adventure of English (2002– ) User Reviews

Very Good

[do_rac · 9/10 · 1 October 2006]

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.

Excellent Programs; reminiscent of "The Story of English"

[paula001 · 9/10 · 8 February 2005]

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.

Enlightening and entertaining

[runamokprods · 7/10 · 15 March 2012]

Very educational, tracing of the roots and history of the English language from 500 B.C. to the present.

In learning the history of the language I learned a lot about the political. military and cultural history of England itself (for example, I had no idea that for 300 years after William the Conqueror took over England from his home in Normandy, French became the 'official' language of England, and came close to threatening to eliminate English altogether. Or that it was the plague, which killed off so many of the upscale guardians of language, like the clergy who wanted Latin to be the language of the state, that helped restore spoken English to prominence.

The series can get a bit dry at times, like an illustrated lecture. And it gets a bit less interesting when it gets to more recent, more familiar history. But it still is always enlightening and entertaining.

Fascinating, engaging, informative. Let down by scheduling

[simondotcoe · 10/10 · 13 March 2004]

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.

Fascinating! Why don't they replay this series?!?! How about a DVD?!

[dataphasia · 10/10 · 20 August 2005]

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!!!

Not available on DVD! What a waste!

[matt_74-1 · 10/10 · 27 December 2005]

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.

Engaging enough for 12 year olds to Senior citizens.

[scotthousehold · 23 December 2002]

As a fairly disparate family we nonetheless found enough within each programme to keep us watching and waiting for the next gem of information. Whether it be the way a word in common use was pronounced or just the vast array of words available we were fascinated.

Like history? Like language? You'll love this series!

[MarkOnline · 10/10 · 1 October 2006]

Like the other reviewer, my TiVo "suggested" this for me, also. The most interesting thing about the series is how the history of the English language is nothing short of a history of Great Britian itself. From the Romans to the Vikings to the Normans, speak one sentence in English and you're very likely to unwittingly pay homage to all three cultures. The series not a dry examination of disassociated English words. It's a fantastic story of a people, their contributions to the language, and how their relationships to each other helped shape what is today the universal language of communication. That a DVD priced for private audiences is not available is inexplicable. I have never bought a DVD of a documentary before, but would not hesitate to buy this set were it reasonably priced for the private consumer.

Great series

[smart_sophie_nr1 · 10/10 · 5 October 2007]

My husband had loved this series when it was on UK television. He had always wanted to see it again.

I was fortunate to start a language degree with the Open University (long-distance learning in England). This complete series (all 8 episodes) came on DVD as part of my course. My in-laws wanted a copy, so I looked around and discovered how hard it is to get hold of another copy!

I have found a website in Australia, who charge a very reasonable amount and do international shipping. The website is: www.devoteddvd.com Hope this helps everyone who are after the complete series. I highly recommend it!

What's going on?

[peridot44 · 10/10 · 20 June 2005]

Parts 1-4 of this excellent series was shown here on Ulster Television and repeated soon after. We were told that parts 4-8 would be shown in the Autumn (of 2003 I think). They still have not been shown, not slipped in quietly unnoticed (I would have noticed), and no information given at all. The only answer I could get from UTV to date is that the makers withdrew it and there was no further info to be had! Soon after that I discovered parts 5-8 HAD been seen in England. I thought UTV was the problem. Now I am not sure what is going on. The stars are for the programme which gave me much information, entertainingly, about the language I love. Absolutely no stars for distribution!! I want DVDs

Informative, entertaining, interesting, and educational! What more could you ask for?

[mreeder-2 · 10/10 · 30 June 2007]

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the evolution of our language and the influences of individuals and historical events on the words and phrases we use today. I particularly enjoyed the presentation of specific words and their origins and adaptations in usage and spelling. Understanding how foreign words and sayings became "Anglicized" as a result of conquests or being conquered added a great history lesson as well.

As an English teacher, I would love a DVD release that I could purchase for future reference, as there is too much information in the presentation to comprehend in only one viewing. The current $900 price tag, however, is cost prohibitive! Also, I could not always understand what the narrator was saying; hence, the ability to "rewind" and listen to again or use "closed captioning" would be helpful. Would love more broadcasts like this.

An Exceptional Series.

[rmax304823 · 8/10 · 10 February 2016]

I can't recommend this too highly.

Bragg is an unpretentious host as he guides us through the historical development of the English language. Many people don't know or care how or why Americans say "fore-head" while Brits say "forrid." Or why "honor" is spelled (or spellt) "honour" in the Old Country. There aren't many pivot points that can be traced to one man but that change can be.

The format is pleasant, relaxed, and undemanding. I wish it had been available when I was teaching a course in "Language and Culture" because this covers many of the same bases -- not just language but history as well.

Watch it.

The book is better

[Bernie4444 · 10/10 · 16 February 2024]

Of course, it is. But that does not subtract from this most excellent series. No matter how much you know about the history of English you can learn something new looking at it from a different dimension.

The presenter, Melvyn Bragg, take us through all 8 episodes, each episode has a unique angle on English, including how William Shakespeare added 2,000 words to the language.

The only caution is they make a few mistakes here and there which undermines the information your faith in what you do not know. However, I will take my chances. The only other complaint is I could have stood more subtitles.

I knew a lot of German was in English. Yet I was surprised how much of it is French. The advantage of DVD over the book is we get to see what all the buildings looked like inside and out.

I do not want to go too much into detail as I think you will be amazed and enthralled with the new insights.

This leaves us with the words of Henry Higgins of My Fair Lady" (1964), "Why can't the English learn to speak?" They need to go to California for proper training. This presentation is over two decades old, and English has changed as fast as the technology.

You will need to buy it as each time you watch it you will see something new.