This exceptionally clear text focuses on internal changes in the English language. It outlines the history of English from pre-Old English times to the present. Not only does it present the traditional morphological descriptions of the various stages of the language, it provides many example sentences, texts, and cartoons that are analyzed for the benefit of the student and which make this book ideal for class use. Some language-external topics are covered such as early printing and authorship debates. Tables and figures complement the material covered and exercises review the main points as well as ask further, more challenging, questions. Answers to the exercises are provided, as is a time line listing some of the external events, and some guidance on how to use the OED. Complementary web site information is provided throughout the book, and a companion web site accompanies the book.

This book has a companion website: www.historyofenglish.net

Table of contents

Preface and Acknowledgements ix-xi Abbreviations xii-xiii List of Tables xiv-xvi List of Figures xvii-xviii The English Language 1-11 English Spelling, Sounds, and Grammar 13-28 Before Old English 29-45 Old English: 450-1150 47-90 From Old to Middle English 91-109 Middle English: 1150-1500 111-153 Early Modern English: 1500-1700 155-202 Modern English: 1700-present 203-248 English around the World 249-279 Conclusion 281-291 Appendices 293-317 References 319-330 Index 331-334

"Without doubt, the best short introduction to the history of English: lucid, clearly exemplified, theoretically sophisticated but subdued. A delightful textbook in every way." Robert Stockwell, Professor Emeritus, UCLA