An Admirable Point recuperates the exclamation mark from its much maligned place at the bottom of the punctuation hierarchy. It explores how ! came about in the first place some six hundred years ago, and uncovers the many ways in which ! has left its mark on art, literature, (pop) culture, and just about any sphere of human activity.
Persuasive ... . In writing as in real life, many of us would be relieved to see fewer !!! moments, but Ms. Hazrat’s splendid exploration of ! is stimulating even in an excitement-weary moment.
Brisk, enjoyably mischievous ... Hazrat also notices positive functions that tend to be ignored ... Along the way she shares some bright nuggets of information.
Hazrat notes the preponderance of the exclamation point in comic books, poster art, and political advertising ... A delightfully sprightly and pun-laden history.
