Conlang-Specific Nonfiction
This page of nonfiction provides works about specific conlangs in a nonfiction tone. Here you'll find printed works on Sindarin, Klingon, and others. Conlangers can use these to learn those specific conlangs or to gain inspiration for their own creations.
Beside many items in The Conlanger's Library are links to vendor affiliate sites (Book Depository 
and Indie Bound 
). The Language Creation Society receives a portion of all the purchases made through these sites. We have removed, at present, links to Amazon.com pages. In the event that Amazon reinstates its affiliate program in California, we will consider re-adding Amazon.com links to the items on these pages.
There is also a WorldCat search link 
available to assist readers in locating resources through their local library.
Contact The Conlanging Librarian at library -at- conlang -dot- org with suggestions for additions to the library.
Michael Adams (editor)
From Elvish to Klingon: Exploring Invented Languages
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011
The essays contributed by experts in their fields run the gamut from popular culture journalism to erudite scholarship in tone. Topics as diverse as invented languages in video games, the “invented vocabularies” of Nadsat and Newspeak, and revitalized and reconstructed languages like Modern Hebrew are covered. (See full review at Fiat Lingua)
Ben Burtt
Star Wars: Galactic Phrase Book & Travel Guide: A Language Guide to the Galaxy
New York: Lucas Books, 2001
Although none of the languages in this book are given detailed grammars or extensive vocabularies, it does give the flavor of a Berlitz-style phrase book and travel guide. Many of the phrases are tongue-in-cheek. This feeling is also reinforced by Sergio Aragon?' illustrations. Overall, a fun read. Ben Burtt was the sound designer on the Star Wars films and video games, as well as the Indiana Jones movies, The Dark Crystal, and other well-known films.
Sarah Higley
Hildegard of Bingen's Unknown Language: An Edition, Translation, and Discussion
New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007
Dr. Higley's masterful examination of St. Hildegard's Lingua Ignota from its primary sources. For a full review, check out Fiat Lingua.
The Klingon Hamlet: The Restored Klingon Version
New York: Pocket Books, 2000
Yes, the complete play by Wil'yam Shex'pir "The Tragedy of Khamlet, Son of the Emperor of Qo'nos," This project grew out of a line in the Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country when a character stated that you haven't read Shakespeare until you've read him in the original Klingon. Much Ado About Nothing
and The Epic of Gilgamesh
have also been translated into Klingon.
Marc Okrand
The Klingon Dictionary
New York : Pocket Books, 1992
These three books comprise a major part of the Klingon canon from the creator of the language himself.
Klingon for the Galactic Traveler
New York: Pocket Books, 1997
A more in-depth look at Klingon, including social situations, customs, food, etc.
Star Trek: The Klingon Way: A Warrior's Guide (tlhIngan tIgh: SuvwI DevmeH paq)
New York: Pocket Books, 1996
Klingon proverbs taken from various Star Trek television and movie moments, translated into the original language.
Arika Okrent
In the Land of Invented Languages: Esperanto Rock Stars, Klingon Poets, Loglan Lovers, and the Mad Dreamers Who Tried to Build A Perfect Language
New York : Spiegel & Grau, 2009
Okrent's book is an enjoyable romp through the history of constructed languages, providing an excellent introduction for both conlangers as well as the general public. The book won rave reviews upon its publication, and Arika was featured on a number of talk shows and in many articles (For a list of press coverage links for Arika's book, click here). Arika also participated in the 2nd and 3rd Language Creation Conferences.
David J. Peterson
The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, the Words Behind World-Building
New York : Penguin Books, 2015
Peterson's book provides an eminently readable excursion through the process of language invention with enlightening insights into Peterson's many conlangs for television and film as well as introductions to conlangers who may be lesser-known (outside the conlanging community, that is). A review appeared in Fiat Lingua.
David J. Peterson
Living Language Dothraki
Living Language, 2014
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The guide to learning the language of the horse-lords of Game of Thrones created by David J. Peterson. Check out the publisher's website as well as David's blog for additional information on the book and the language.
Mark Rosenfelder
The Language Construction Kit
Yonagu Books, 2010
Mark Rosenfelder aka Zompist has created an expanded print version of his famous online Language Construction Kit. More information on the print version can be found at zompist.com/lckbook.html. A must-have for conlangers!
David Salo
Gateway to Sindarin
Salt Lake City, UT: University of Utah Press, 2004
From the composer of Elvish dialogue for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films.
Luigi Serafini
Codex Seraphinianus
New York: Abbeville Press, 1983
A natural history of a strange, unsettling, exotic world written entirely in an unknown language. This is one you have to see to believe.
J.R.R. Tolkien (edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher)
The History of Middle-earth series
The sections of the History of Middle-earth series most often cited in conlang discussions are "The Etymologies" in The Lost Road and Other Writings
and 'The Appendix on Languages" and "Of Dwarves and Men" in The Peoples of Middle-earth
. See the WEB RESOURCES for more information on Tolkienian linguistics.