The Comic English Grammar: A New and Facetious Introduction to the English Tongue

The Comic English Grammar: A New and Facetious Introduction to the English Tongue

It may be considered a strange wish on the part of an Author, to have his preface compared to a donkeys gallop. We are nevertheless desirous that our own should be considered both short and sweet. For our part, indeed, we would have every preface as short as an orators cough, to which, in purpose, it is so nearly like; but Fashion requires, and like the rest of her sex, requires because she requires, that before a writer begins the business of his book, he should give an account to the world of his reasons for producing it; and therefore, to avoid singularity, we shall proceed with the statement of our own, excepting only a few private ones, which are neither here nor there. [Pg viii]To advance the interests of mankind by promoting the cause of Education; to ameliorate the conversation of the masses; to cultivate Taste, and diffuse Refinement; these are the objects which we have in view in submitting a Comic English Grammar to the patronage of a discerning Public. Nor have we been actuated by philanthropic motives alone, but also by a regard to Patriotism, which, as it has been pronounced on high authority to be the last refuge of a scoundrel, must necessarily be the first concern of an aspiring and disinterested mind. We felt ourselves called upon to do as much, at least, for Modern England as we had before done for Ancient Rome; and having been considered by competent judges to have infused a little liveliness into a dead language, we were bold enough to hope that we might extract some amusement from a living one. Few persons there are, whose ears are so extremely obtuse, as not to be frequently annoyed at the violations of Grammar by which they are so often assailed. It is really painful to be forced, in walking along the streets, to hear such phrases as, That ere homnibus. Whereve you bin.[Pg ix] Vots the hodds? and the like. Very dreadful expressions are also used by draymen and others in addressing their horses. What can possibly induce a human being to say Gee woot! Mather way! or Woa? not to mention the atrocious Kim aup! of the ignorant and degraded costermonger. We once actually heard a fellow threaten to pitch into his dog! meaning, we believe, to beat the animal. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 43397
Author: Leigh, Percival
Release Date: Aug 4, 2013
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Illustrator: Leech, John, 1817-1864