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Also by David J. Peterson:

The Art of Language Invention, October 2015
Paperback / e-Book

THE ART OF LANGUAGE INVENTION
By: David J. Peterson

From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, the Words Behind World-Building

Penguin
October 2015
On Sale: September 28, 2014
304 pages
ISBN: 0143126466
EAN: 9780143126461
Kindle: B00TY3ZMVG
Paperback / e-Book
Add to Wish List

Non-Fiction

An insider’s tour through the construction of invented languages from the bestselling author and creator of languages for the HBO series Game of Thrones and the Syfy series Defiance

From master language creator David J. Peterson comes a creative guide to language construction for sci-fi and fantasy fans, writers, game creators, and language lovers. Peterson offers a captivating overview of language creation, covering its history from Tolkien’s creations and Klingon to today’s thriving global community of conlangers. He provides the essential tools necessary for inventing and evolving new languages, using examples from a variety of languages including his own creations, punctuated with references to everything from Star Wars to Michael Jackson. Along the way, behind-the-scenes stories lift the curtain on how he built languages like Dothraki for HBO’s Game of Thrones and Shiväisith for Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, and an included phrasebook will start fans speaking Peterson’s constructed languages. The Art of Language Invention is an inside look at a fascinating culture and an engaging entry into a flourishing art form—and it might be the most fun you’ll ever have with linguistics.

Media Buzz

Daily Show - January 6, 2016
All Things Considered - September 26, 2015