Preface. 1. English Present and Future 2. The Indo-European Family of Languages 3. Old English 4. Foreign Influences on Old English 5. The Norman Conquest and the Subjection of English, 1066-1200 6. The Reestablishment of English, 1200-1500 7. Middle English 8.The Renaissance, 1500-1650 9. The Appeal to Authority, 1650-1800 10. The Nineteenth Century and After 11. The English Language in America. Appendix A: Specimens of the Middle English Dialects. Appendix B: English Spelling. Index

Baugh and Cable's A History of the English Language has long been considered the standard work in the field. A History of the English Language is a comprehensive exploration of the linguistic and cultural development of English, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The book provides students with a balanced and up-to-date overview of the history of the language. The fifth edition has been substantially revised and updated to keep students up to date with recent developments in the field. Revisions include: revised first chapter: 'English present and future' new section on gender issues and linguistics change updated material on African-American vernacular English.