Originally published in 1900, this book was created as part of the Cambridge Series for Schools and Training Colleges, and was designed to provide a concise, yet comprehensive, introduction to the development of English. In many ways, it also acts as an introduction to the historical study of languages in general, aiming to foster within the general reader an understanding of language 'as a living organism, ever undergoing changes'. Language is seen as informing, and being informed by, history in a complicated two-way process. Highly readable, and containing numerous illustrative examples, this text will be of value to anyone with an interest in English history, educational history or linguistics.