The Origins and Development of the English Language

This book is a rip-off (in 2008 we paid over $140 for it). That said, if you can stomach the author's notoriously (um, lacking an adjective here) writing style, there is some good information beneath the veneer. You'll need a few other resources at your side, and especially if you're a beginner to historical linguistics / history of English -- whoa boy, you're going to need A LOT of extra help to decipher this fanciful linguipedia. I wish I had invested in the exercise book which accompanies this text, because it really is more like a reference book, and you'll be relying on your professor (good luck!) or other resources for ACTUAL PRACTICAL EXERCISES WHICH HELP YOU MASTER THE TECHNIQUES / INFORMATION in this field.

I purchased this textbook for a class, and it contained a lot of information that I found extremely interesting. Most people sell their textbooks upon completion of the class, but I think I'll hold on to this one.

Like Josh, I had to buy this book for the History of English course in the Linguistics dept at Portland State University. My instructor was Prof. Jennifer Mittelstaedt in 2006. Also like Josh, I know this "textbook" is a keeper that will stay in my home library as a professional resource, long after I graduate. Beautifully designed with pretty cover and crisp font/layout. (Expensive, but a nice book that gives pleasure to read & hold.) Organized into easily digestible and somewhat independent sections; the many verb-class & declension tables are clearly explained. Easy to pick-and-choose which chapters to assign, if time constrained. Fascinating historical linguistics & splendid etymologies, presented with surprising humor. The writers' "voice"(s) exude a warm, mature amusement at the vicissitudes of human history - and there is certainly an abundance of vicissitude in the history of the English language! Covers morphology, semantics, syntax, and phonology of OE, ME, EModE & PDE periods. Highly recommended!

Get this book if language interests you. I'm studying linguistics, and had to buy this book, but I'm genuinely facinated by every aspect of this topic. It is very well put together, and an intriguing read. I'll have this book long after the term is over ;)

I must say that this book is genuinely exciting. In this case, you may judge the book by the cover (I think the cover's pretty nifty, anyway).

I guess you have to be into this sort of thing (linguistics) to pick up this book in the first place, but once you do, don't be afraid to read it straight through. You won't be disappointed. You learn so many interesting tidbits (and they actually have come in handy a few times). I also suggest THE MOTHER TONGUE, by Bill Bryson (come on, it's fun, even if some of the content is questionable). Together with this book you'll be a language whiz.

ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE isn't only for geeks, mind you. There's a helpful index at the back and if you want to learn more about a word or a particular age in our language's history, it's no trouble.

A la fin, this book is worth however much money it costs. It's really, really super.