This is a journey in search of the English language but not along any route that`s been explored before. Acclaimed linguist David Crystal takes us down the intriguing side roads, via entertaining diversions and through the mysterious groves and thickets of English, to create a unique and mesmerising account of the language and its speakers. From Bangor to Bombay and from Stratford to San Francisco, Crystal subjects Tolkien, 1960s cult television, Kolkata, pub names, Bovril, ancient runes and all manner of verbal curiosities to his inquisitive examinations. A linguistic travelogue like no other, "By Hook or by Crook" captures the quirky tantalising nature of language in a fascinating exploration of people, places and words.