For English Pronunciation (for non-native speakers):
* Pronunciation Pairs: This focuses on minimal pairs (words that differ by only one sound) which are crucial for understanding and producing accurate English sounds. It's excellent for identifying and correcting common pronunciation errors.
* American English Pronunciation Handbook by K.K. Kim: A comprehensive resource covering a wide range of phonetic concepts, with detailed explanations and ample practice. It's more academic but thorough.
* The Sounds of English by Adrian Underhill: A good balance between practicality and detail. It explains the sounds systematically and includes exercises.
General Pronunciation (for various languages):
Many dictionaries include phonetic transcriptions (using the International Phonetic Alphabet or IPA). While not books solely dedicated to pronunciation, these are invaluable:
* Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: Excellent for both definitions and IPA transcriptions. The online versions often include audio pronunciations as well.
* Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Similar to Oxford, but with an American English focus.
For learners with a specific focus (e.g., accents):
Books focusing on specific accents (e.g., Received Pronunciation (RP) British English, General American) are also available. Search for books titled something like "[Accent] Pronunciation Practice".
Beyond Books:
It's also worth noting that books are often best complemented by:
* Audio resources: Listening to native speakers is crucial. Podcasts, audiobooks, and language learning apps often include audio.
* Online dictionaries with audio: Many online dictionaries (like those mentioned above) provide audio pronunciations.
* Speech therapy apps: These can provide personalized feedback and exercises.
To choose the best book for *you*, consider:
1. Your native language: A book tailored to speakers of your native language will often explain things in a way that's more intuitive.
2. Your target language: Make sure the book focuses on the specific language and accent you want to learn.
3. Your learning style: Do you prefer a highly structured approach or something more conversational?
In short, there's no single "best" book. Research options based on your specific needs and read reviews to find one that suits your learning style and goals.