Is there a purpose for the extra "p" in "shopped"? Does the letter "e" in "prince" have a function? Is there a reason for spelling "muscle" with a silent letter "c"? Why are the letters "cc" in "accident" and "account" pronounced differently? Why does the letter "e" in "bake" disappear from "baking"? These are just a few of the mysteries of English spelling that Trevor Schindeler, a lifelong student of the English language, explores in this unique book. He answers these questions and many others in a clear and understandable fashion by setting out the structures and conventions that govern English spelling. Even in our modern wired (and wireless) world of smart phones and digital assistants, spelling remains a vital skill; one that forms the foundation for e¿ective reading and writing. As the author notes in the preface to the book, good spelling skills help to open the door to vast stores of human knowledge. By understanding the principles and patterns that lie behind English spelling, students and general readers alike will come to appreciate how words are constructed, and will approach reading and writing with greater con¿dence and enthusiasm.