The quintessential A to Z guide to British English—perfect for every egghead & bluestocking looking to conquer the language barrierOscar Wildeonce said theBritshave "everything in common withAmericanowadays except, of course, language." Any visitor toOld Blightycan sympathize withMr. Wilde. After all, even fluentEnglishspeakers can be at sixes & sevens when told to pick up the"dog & bone"or"head to the loo,"so they can"spend a penny."Wherever did these peculiar expressions come from?BritishauthorChristopher J. Mooremade a name for himself on this side of the pond with the sleeper success of his previous book,In Other Words. Now,Mooredraws on history, literature, pop culture, & his own heritage to explore the phrases that most embodythe British character. He traces the linguistic influence of writers fromChaucertoShakespeare&DickenstoWodehouse, & unravels the complexityBritsmanage to imbue in seemingly innocuous phrases like "All right." Along the way,Moorereveals the uniquelyBritishorigins of some of the English language’s more curious sayings. For example: Who isBob& how did he become your uncle? Why do we refer to powerless politicians as“lame ducks”? How did“posh”become such a stylish word?Part language guide, part cultural study,How to Speak Britis the perfect addition to every Anglophile’s library & an entertaining primer that will charm the linguistic-minded legions.Christopher Mooreis the author of 17 previous novels, includingShakespeare for Squirrels,Noir,Secondhand Souls,Sacré Bleu,Fool, &Lamb. He lives in San Francisco, California.