'A fascinating account ... Leith assumes no technical linguistic knowledge on the part of the reader and his book will be accessible and valuable not only to students of sociolinguistics but also to those interested in language from the perspectives of literature, history or cultural studies.' - Spoken English'Leith's book is very learned, forgiving and clear-headed.' - Nicholas Lezard, The GuardianThis book is at once erudite, accessible and engaging ... Throughout the book he emphasizes the variability and vitality of the language throughout the ages ... I would strongly recommend Leith's book for the general reader, and, for those interested in language.' - The British Journal of General Practice

• Introduction Part I Emergence and consolidation 1 Languages in contact 2 Standardisation and writing Part II Changing patterns of usage 3 Words and meanings 4 Grammar 5 Pronunciation Part III Imposition and spread 6 The imposition of English in the British Isles 7 English as an international language Part IV Evidence, interpretation and theory 8 A critical linguistic history of English texts

'A fascinating account ... Leith assumes no technical linguistic knowledge on the part of the reader and his book will be accessible and valuable not only to students of sociolinguistics but also to those interested in language from the perspectives of literature, history or cultural studies.' - Spoken English'Leith's book is very learned, forgiving and clear-headed.' - Nicholas Lezard, The GuardianThis book is at once erudite, accessible and engaging ... Throughout the book he emphasizes the variability and vitality of the language throughout the ages ... I would strongly recommend Leith's book for the general reader, and, for those interested in language.' - The British Journal of General Practice

• Introduction Part I Emergence and consolidation 1 Languages in contact 2 Standardisation and writing Part II Changing patterns of usage 3 Words and meanings 4 Grammar 5 Pronunciation Part III Imposition and spread 6 The imposition of English in the British Isles 7 English as an international language Part IV Evidence, interpretation and theory 8 A critical linguistic history of English texts

'A fascinating account ... Leith assumes no technical linguistic knowledge on the part of the reader and his book will be accessible and valuable not only to students of sociolinguistics but also to those interested in language from the perspectives of literature, history or cultural studies.' - Spoken English'Leith's book is very learned, forgiving and clear-headed.' - Nicholas Lezard, The GuardianThis book is at once erudite, accessible and engaging ... Throughout the book he emphasizes the variability and vitality of the language throughout the ages ... I would strongly recommend Leith's book for the general reader, and, for those interested in language.' - The British Journal of General Practice

• Introduction Part I Emergence and consolidation 1 Languages in contact 2 Standardisation and writing Part II Changing patterns of usage 3 Words and meanings 4 Grammar 5 Pronunciation Part III Imposition and spread 6 The imposition of English in the British Isles 7 English as an international language Part IV Evidence, interpretation and theory 8 A critical linguistic history of English texts