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Synopsis
With revelations on every page, and sample codes and puzzles for the reader to crack, Secret Language will entertain everyone with an urge to know more about the most arcane and curious uses of language. From backmasking to the Enigma Machine, from magic words to literary symbols, here is a lively, engaging tour of languages that hide their meanings from all but a chosen few. Blake explains the difference between ciphers and codes and shows how secret messages have been written--and broken--for almost two thousand years. He explores the history and uses of the slang and argot of schools and trades, tracing the stories of centuries-old cants such as those used by sailors and criminals--among them polari, the mix of Italian, Yiddish, and slang once spoken among strolling players and circus folk and most recently adopted by the gay community. He examines the sacred languages of ancient cults and religions, uncovers the workings of onomancy, spells, and gematria, considers the obliqueness of allusion and parody, and celebrates the absurdities of euphemism and jargon.
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About the Author
Barry J. Blake is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at La Trobe University. His books include Playing with Words and All About Language.
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Search results for Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and...
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
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Hardcover
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Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00083037575
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press (edition First Edition), 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
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First Edition
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. First Edition. It's a preowned item in good condition and includes all the pages. It may have some general signs of wear and tear, such as markings, highlighting, slight damage to the cover, minimal wear to the binding, etc., but they will not affect the overall reading experience. Seller Inventory # 0199579288-11-1
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: HPB-Emerald, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_434635964
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.08. Seller Inventory # G0199579288I4N10
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.08. Seller Inventory # G0199579288I4N00
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.08. Seller Inventory # G0199579288I4N00
Quantity: 1 available
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.08. Seller Inventory # G0199579288I3N00
Quantity: 1 available
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Books From California, Simi Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Edges shows minor shelf wear. Pages are clean and intact. Seller Inventory # mon0002707680
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Secret Language : Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 4693496-6
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Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols
Published by
Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, Oxford, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199579288
ISBN 13: 9780199579280
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is about language designed to mean what it does not seem to mean. Ciphers and codes conceal messages and protect secrets. Symbol and magic hide meanings to imperil or delight. Languages made to baffle and confuse let insiders talk openly without being understood by those beyond the circle. Barry Blake looks in depth at these and many more. He explores the history and uses of the slangs and argots of schools and trades. He traces the histories of centuries-old cants such as those used by sailors and criminals, among them polari, the mix of Italian, Yiddish, and slang spoken once among strolling players and circus folk and then taken up by groups in London. He examines the sacred languages of ancient cults and religions, uncovers the workings of onomancy, spells, and gematria, considers the obliqueness of allusion and parody, and celebrates the absurdities of euphemism and jargon. Secret Language takes the reader on fascinating excursions down obscure byways of language, ranging across time and culture. With revelations on every page it will entertain everyone with an urge to know more about the most arcane and curious uses of language. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003089403
Quantity: 3 available