An old favourite, reread with a new perspective in mind. Pinker explores and describes the various aspects of language evolution and acquisition which make human communication so fascinating I first read this as part of a university reading list but keep coming back to it. Amazing .

Lots of interesting stories, facts and anecdotes. Too many USA-only cultural references (many people/TV shows unknown to the non-American). Many anglo-centric discussions about language, little serious attention to other languages and meaning/culture (he sounds like someone who doesn't know/speak other languages). Tiresomely long lists of examples, pad out the book too much. Fun and worth a read, but if you question Noam Chomsky's beliefs, this will not provide any comfort - read this, followed by 'Through the Language Glass' by Guy Deutscher and 'Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes' by Daniel Everett to hear more serious multi-lingual discussion about language and culture. Pinker's an entertainer and fun for facts.

I love Steven Pinker: he has a dry wit and is opinionated and intelligent so in this sense he reminds me of Bill Bryson, although I'm sure the comparison may not be well received. The cover of this book doesn't do justice to the content and research. At times I was completely lost as to what he was trying to explain, but the analogies are brilliant and you will definitely learn something and laugh along the way. His focus is the believe that our brains have the biological makeup to develop language spontaneously, without conscious effort or formal instruction. I would recommend it to linguistic students and anyone fascinated with language.