The Stories of English

This linguistic history argues that English has never been one uniform standard but a family of spoken and written varieties. Crystal traces the language from runic inscriptions and Old English regional usage through Middle English dialects, the rise of a London-based written norm, and later overseas expansion. He gives space to Scots, Irish, American, Caribbean, and other Englishes, and to slang, spelling reform, and the politics of correctness. Maps and sample texts sit beside the narrative. The book is an account of variation and change, not a usage handbook and not a history of literature in English.

Bound in screen-printed and black word blocked blue cloth with a design by Alan Kitching. Plain slipcase.