About the Author

Vivian Cook is professor of applied linguistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He was inspired to write this book out of frustration with those who, not knowing the crucial gender difference between the British spellings Vivian and Vivien assume from his first name that he is a woman. He lives in Colchester, England.

Reviews

"It takes a special mind to have this much fun with spelling. Mr. Cook clearly enjoys this subject, and his readers will too." -- Jeffrey Kacirk, author of "The Word Museum" and "Informal English"