Ebook: Inventing English: A Portable History of the Language

Seth Lerer tells a masterful history of the English language from the age of Beowulf to the rap of Eminem. Though many have written about the evolution of English grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, only Lerer situates these developments within the larger history of the language, 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 and innovative as the people to whom it belongs.

A masterful history of the English language from the age of Beowulf to the rap of Eminem.