Lerer S. Inventing English - A Portable History of the Language

Revised and Expanded Edition 2015. — New York: Columbia University Press, 2015. — XVI, 335 p. — First published 2007.Seth Lerer tells a masterful history of the English language from the age of Beowulf to the rap of Eminem. Many have written about the evolution of grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, but only Lerer situates these developments within the larger history of English, America, and literature. This edition features a new chapter on the influence of biblical translation and an epilogue on the relationship of English speech to writing. A unique blend of historical and personal narrative, Inventing English is the surprising tale of a language that is as dynamic as the people to whom it belongs.Lerer, a Stanford professor who has produced audio lectures on the English language as well as a considerable backlog of scholarship, has created a highly readable book that goes back to the very origins of the language - its sounds, rhythms, organization, meanings and looks - in post-Roman Britain and then follows its very organic, human trail forward from Old English to Middle English to the modern language that leaped an ocean, spread across the New World and is still evolving. Lerer has great passion for his topic and a gift for delivering information.A personal, selective, and impassioned journey through the history of English. An invigorating read for the mind and the mouth. Lerer not only navigates the shifting currents and boiling rapids of English, but also explores its secret coves. A remarkable linguistic investigation. Written with real authority, enthusiasm, and love for our unruly and exquisite language. The book percolates with creative energy and will please anyone intrigued by how our richly variegated language came to be.A fresh look at the history of the English language. An important and valuable source for anyone who loves the English language, and language in general. A wonderful book. It's not hard to find well-informed books about the history of the English language, and it's not hard to find good critical accounts of English literature, but to have the two intertwined in one book is remarkable.