Sto iazykov. Vselennaia slov i smyslov

The book is widely praised as a wonderful and engaging reference, particularly for those new to the field of linguistics. Reviewers highlight its success in introducing a diverse array of languages, from well-known to little-known, endangered, and even constructed ones, often revealing surprising facts. The selection criteria, which prioritize unusual characteristics, distinctive features, and correcting common misconceptions, are frequently appreciated. The book's presentation is generally lauded, with each language given a dedicated spread covering its history, writing system, and pronunciation, often supported by excellent diagrams, maps, and tables. Many also commend the attractive physical design, including a cover that glows in the dark, suggesting it could become a "magical" and inspiring book for readers, especially children.

However, some readers with existing linguistic knowledge found the content to be less groundbreaking and occasionally superficial. The alphabetical arrangement, while straightforward, was noted by some as potentially obscuring connections between languages and their historical or political contexts. The specific choice of languages also drew criticism from certain reviewers, who questioned the inclusion or exclusion of particular tongues or the classification of certain language varieties. Inconsistencies in presentation, such as varying levels of detail in pronunciation guides across different entries, were also mentioned. A few reviewers felt the book leaned more towards entertainment and generalized information than serious popular science, and occasionally found it less engaging than promised. One specific critique noted the authors' adherence to a controversial linguistic hypothesis.

Overall, the book is considered a good, if at times superficial, encyclopedia filled with fascinating facts and stories about languages. It excels as an accessible and visually appealing introduction to the vast and diverse world of human communication. This book is particularly well-suited for general readers, beginners in linguistics, and especially younger audiences or schoolchildren seeking an engaging entry point into the subject. Those looking for an in-depth exploration of linguistic theory, comprehensive scholarly analysis, or rigorous academic consistency might find it less fulfilling, as its primary strength lies in its role as an entertaining and informative overview.