This report presents a history of the Deseret alphabet, beginning with a chapter on English orthography in general and the various attempts that have been made in orthographic reform. The second chapter examines the motives behind the creation of the Deseret alphabet, including the possibilities of a secret Mormon code, a protection from…

Philologist, archaeologist, and historian, Dr. Gordon has unlocked mysteries of ancient Mediterranean civilizations through the study of pre-Biblical and Biblical language and culture. In this article he examined the development, limits and advantages of our modern alphabet. (Editor/RK)

Tracing both current concern for correctness in speech and writing and continued suspicion of formal language regulation, this book explores the history of American language reform and failure. The first three chapters examine early attitudes toward the English language in the New World, and the development of the concept of Federal English in…