Chapters in this book

1. Prelim pages i
2. Table of contents v
3. Preface to the first edition (2006) ix
4. Preface to the revised edition xii
5. Notes to the user and abbreviations xiv
6. List of tables xvi
7. List of figures xix
8. 1. The English language 1
9. 2. English spelling, sounds, and grammar 15
10. 3. Before Old English 33
11. 4. Old English 51
12. 5. From Old to Middle English 95
13. 6. Middle English 115
14. 7. Early Modern English 159
15. 8. Modern English 207
16. 9. English around the world 251
17. 10. Conclusion 283
18. Appendix I: Possible answers to the exercises and some additional information on in-text questions 295
19. Appendix II: How to use the OED 311
20. Appendix III: Chronology of historical events 315
21. References 321
22. Index 335