C.M. Millward, "Biography of the English Language"
Delmar | 1988 | ISBN: 0030594316 | 386 pages | PDF | 4,1 MB

For advanced undergraduate or graduate courses, or for self-study. Although rigorous, does not assume prior training in either linguistics or the history of English. The approach is essentially traditional, stressing substance over theory.


Summary: Probably the best book on the subject I've ever seen
Rating: 5

There are books on the phonology and such of the English language. There are books on the history of the English language. There are books on the English language today, discussing how it varies from place to place. This book has the distinction of covering all, and covering them all very well. The historical linguistics part is particularly good, whth complete and detailed chapters on the stages from Old English to the present day, but going back to Indo-European. But the first chapter of the book, on present-day English phonology, is also very good. And so is the last one, on "English around the world."

The only point that could be criticized is the price -- extremely high. I got my copy as a used book on Amazon Marketplace. But I doubt that many would really want to pay over $100 for a book, no matter how good.


Summary: Brilliant book from a brilliant author
Rating: 5

I was fortunate to have Celia Millward as a professor at Boston University. This book was the textbook for her own class on the history of the English language. The book offers an excellent history of the English language that I think any English speaker would find simply fascinating. We use this language every day, so it is interesting to know where it came from! It is also very readable and enjoyable--Mrs. Millward's wit and humor comes across as strongly as her knowledge as an authority on the subject. I highly recommend it.


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