„In conclusion, this book succeeds in doing what itintended, to provide linguistic grounding for readers primarilyinterested in the literature and culture of English past andpresent. It deserves a place in libraries and classrooms, to beread cover to cover or dipped into for specific topics . . . Because it is readable and has good chapter bibliographies and adetailed index, it might also serve as a reference for studentsresearching a topic within the history of English.“ (Linguist, 20 January 2013) "Readers will find clear guides to basic information.... Editorialintroductions to the various sections clarify and summarise thematerial. Each chapter ends with extensive lists of references andfurther reading. A glossary of linguistic terms, reflecting 'theterms as used by the authors,' is included. As with all theBlackwell Companions, the presentation of this substantial volumeis of the highest standard.„ (Reference Reviews, November2009) “Anyone with even a passing interest in the history of thelanguage, whether an old-fashioned description of Middle Englishmorphology or an au courant discussion of global Englishes, will be glad to have [this] Companion on the shelf.„(Times Literary Supplement, May 2009) Momma (New York Univ.) and Matto (Adelphi Univ.) draw on aninternational cast of scholars to present 59 essays on the historyof the English language. Part of the “Blackwell Companions toLiterature and Culture" series, this substantial volume isorganized in nine sections and certainly covers the field. Thefirst three sections provide essential linguistic concepts and asurvey of the history of words, sounds, and grammar. Sections 4-6deal with the Indo-European and Germanic roots of English, thehistory of English in England and the US, and English in Britishcolonies and the postcolonial world. The last three sections coverliterary language (including Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and ToniMorrison), language variation and language teaching, and approachesto language study such as stylistics and cognitive linguistics. Theeditors provide brief contextual commentary for each section, andeach essay has its own bibliography to facilitate further reading. All the contributions are readable and concise. This comprehensivepicture of English and its history is a must for scholars. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty. -- E. L. Battistella, Southern OregonUniversity (Choice, February, 2009)