Includes bibliographical references (p. [303]-312) and index.
Contents:
The common tongue -- The great escape -- Conquest -- Holding on -- The speech of kings -- Chaucer -- God's english -- English and the language of the state -- William Tyndale's bible -- A renaissance of words -- Preparing the ground -- Shakespeare's english -- "My America" -- Wild west words -- Sold down the river -- Mastering the language -- The proper way to talk -- Steam, streets and slang -- Indian takeover -- The West Indies -- Advance Australia -- Warts and all -- All over the world -- And now ...?
Summary:
A history of the English language traces its evolution from a Germanic dialect around 500 A.D. to its modern form, noting the influence of such groups and individuals as early Anglo-Saxon tribes, Alfred the Great, and William Shakespeare.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.