10min chapter

Ridiculous History cover image

How The (English) Alphabet Became A Thing, Part Two: Each Letter Has A Story

Ridiculous History

CHAPTER

The Evolution of English: Printing, Punctuation, and Profit

This chapter explores the transformative impact of the printing press on the English alphabet and language, emphasizing the development of unique 'house styles' in publishing. It covers historical decisions, economic motivations of typesetters, and the changes in spelling and punctuation that arose during the 16th century, particularly through the dissemination of the English Bible. Additionally, it reflects on the complexities and quirks of English, including silent letters and irregular spellings, drawing parallels to contemporary creative industries.

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