Theoretical discussion of language - Rated 
Steven Pinker's enthusiasm about language comes through everywhere in this book - which is a good thing, because the subject matter itself is dense and complex. This combination results in a curious reading experience: Pinker's lively style, many anecdotes and extreme lucidity pull you forward in the text, but the difficulty of the questions he raises could stump you for some time. He explores many linguistic theories in such depth that readers without a particular interest in the field may, frankly, get lost or find the book too abstract, despite Pinker's numerous attempts to ground his discussions in reality. Therefore, while this is a fine book, getAbstract recommends it primarily to patient readers who have a strong interest in language and philosophy. Bring along an open mind and a sense of humor, since Pinker explores language practices - such as obscenities and insults - that may provoke emotional responses.
Theoretical discussion of language - Rated
Steven Pinker's enthusiasm about language comes through everywhere in this book - which is a good thing, because the subject matter itself is dense and complex. This combination results in a curious reading experience: Pinker's lively style, many anecdotes and extreme lucidity pull you forward in the text, but the difficulty of the questions he raises could stump you for some time. He explores many linguistic theories in such depth that readers without a particular interest in the field may, frankly, get lost or find the book too abstract, despite Pinker's numerous attempts to ground his discussions in reality. Therefore, while this is a fine book, getAbstract recommends it primarily to patient readers who have a strong interest in language and philosophy. Bring along an open mind and a sense of humor, since Pinker explores language practices - such as obscenities and insults - that may provoke emotional responses.
Great stuff! - Rated
Steven Pinker was already one of my favourite authors before this book propelled him into another league. Suddenly, a highly-respected academic and broadsheet media darling had declared to the world that metaphors matter! In Pinker's view, metaphors are a key aspect of 'the stuff of thought', the actual material of which thoughts are made.
For anyone with an interest in the impact of language on thought, thought on language, this book is mind-expanding. Wittily presented, and yet backed by solid research, here are the details of essential human cognitive processes and patterns. Every page is packed with information and ideas, which can make the book feel rather dense in places. But skim the heavy stuff and press on - this one is worth the effort.
And the very best bit? The book includes a reference to Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds :-)
A Magnificently Mind-Enriching Tour-de-Force - Rated
This is a truly remarkable book. Pinker has a way of making a reader think simply about complex concepts, using a writing style that is entertaining and stimulating in itself, as well as perfectly precise. This is one of those books which can definitely change a reader's life, making it necessary to perceive life, language and social interaction in a wholly different way. At times, following the thread takes some concentration, particularly when the technical terminology of linguistic concepts must be held in memory, but this effort is always rewarding. Pinker leads us through a mind-expanding, multi-dimensional space, exploring the many relationships of language to thought and exercising those parts of the mind that we normally allow to perform routine assessments. It's possible that, after you read this book, your routine will be subtly changed and enriched, and this notion adds to the pleasure of its reading. A wonderful book!
A whistle-stop tour of cognitive linguistics - Rated 
Well, quite a whirlwind, this one. It took me over a year to read it (seriously) and I did this kind of stuff for my degree.
The subject matter is, should we say, abstruse to the average reader, but Pinker manages somehow to present it in a readable way. Really, when one stops to think and takes a step back it is quite awesome how he manages to dextrously weave together complex material with light-hearted anecdotes and illustrative examples.
Another feature of his work is his striking eclecticism upon which he draws to render this material digestible to the interested reader even if the subject itself is typically arid and uninspiring.
A feat of language, not just in terms of the themes it discusses but also the way in which it is written, perhaps a testimony to the man's command of the material and his quick-witted and perspicuous nature.
Hats off to you, Steven, a good piece of work, thoroughly enjoyed.
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