“It is excellent trifling, and the most stolid reader must surely succumb to the fascinations of the gracious little figure who carries all before her in Mr. Jepson’s story.”
+ Sat. R. 101: 273. Mr. 3, ’06. 340w.
“The spectacle of the highest officer of State reduced to helplessness by an imp of twelve years old might seem essentially farcical, but Mr. Jepson contrives to invest it with charm as well as humour.”
+ – Spec. 96: 100. Ja. 20, ’06. 750w.
Jespersen, (Jens) Otto (Harry). Growth and structure of the English language. *$1. Stechert.
“The aim of the author is to characterise the chief peculiarities of the English language. He attempts to connect the teachings of linguistic history with the chief events in the general history of the English people, and to show the relation of language to national character. His plan is to first give a rapid sketch of the language of our own days, especially as it strikes a foreigner. Then he enters upon the history of the language, describes its connection with the other languages of the Indo-Germanic family, and traces the various foreign influences it has undergone. Last, he gives an account of its own internal development.”—Acad.
“This is a good book. It would form an excellent introduction to the historical study of the English language. The writer is not merely a swallower of other men’s formulas. There is an independent play of thought in Professor Jespersen’s exposition which is not so very common in the work of philologists.” A. L. Mayhew.
+ Acad. 71: 127. Ag. 11, ’06. 1590w.
“The style of this excellent work displays a correctness and ease which would be highly creditable to a native scholar, and are marvelous in the case of a foreigner, while the matter and method evince adequate mastery of the intricate subject.”