This book addresses the question: why do sound changes happen, when and where they do? Jeremy Smith discusses the origins of a series of sound changes in English. He relates his arguments to larger questions about the nature of explanation in history and historical linguistics, and examines the interplay between sound change and social change. Drawing on the latest research in linguistics and history he shows how insights in one field illuminate the other. After the opening chapter describing the book's approach and a general theoretical framework for the study of sound-change, the author discusses problems of evidence and considers the nature of phonological processes. He then presents detailed investigations of major sound-changes from three transitional periods: first, when English emerged as a language distinct from the other West Germanic varieties; secondly, during the transition from Old to Middle English; and thirdly during the time when Middle English evolved into Early Modern English. The book is written with minimal use of jargon and offers clear definitions of complex notions. It will appeal to all serious students of English historical linguistics, from advanced undergraduate to researcher.

Sound Change and the History of English

Reference

Smith, Jeremy J.

Words, Language & Grammar

Oxford University Press

A practical and accessible introduction to the early stages of the English language: Old English, Middle English and Early Modern English.

Essentials of Early English: Old, Middle and Early Modern English

Foreign Language Study & Reference

Routledge

Essentials of Early English: Introduction To Old, Middle and Early Modern English

This is a completely revised and updated edition of a highly successful textbook. It provides a practical and highly accessible introduction to the early stages of the English language: Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English. Designed specifically as a handbook for students beginning the study of early English language, whether for linguistic or literary purposes, it presumes little or no prior knowledge of the history of English. Features of this second edition include: <ul>
<li>newly added Middle English and Early Modern English sample texts and accompanying notes</li> <li>a new section on historical methods</li> <li>web links and an updated annotated bibliography.</li>
</ul>

Literature & Fiction

Smith, Jeremy

History & Criticism

Old English: A Linguistic Introduction (Cambridge Introductions to the English Language)

Old English provides a clear linguistic introduction to English between the 5th century and the Norman invasion in 1066. Tailored to suit the needs of individual course modules, it assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, and presents the basic facts in a straightforward manner, making it the ideal beginners' text. Students are guided step-by-step through the main characteristics and developments of English during that period, aided by concise chapter summaries, suggestions for further reading, and a comprehensive glossary. Each chapter is accompanied by an engaging set of exercises and discussion questions based on authentic Anglo-Saxon texts, encouraging students to consolidate their learning, and providing essential self-study material. The book is accompanied by a companion website, featuring solutions to the exercises and useful additional resources. Providing essential knowledge and skills for those embarking on the study of Old English, it is set to become the leading introduction to the subject.

Cambridge University Press

Essentials of Early English

The third edition of this successful textbook has been fully revised and updated. 
Essentials of Early English is a practical and highly accessible introduction to the early stages of the English language: Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English. 
Designed specifically as a handbook for students beginning the study of Early English language, whether for linguistic or literary purposes, it presumes little or no prior knowledge of the history of English. 
Features of this new edition include: Comprehensive updating of the contents to take account of new developments in the subject Newly added sample texts and accompanying notes Links to images of many of the illustrative texts An updated annotated bibliography. 
A contextual introduction of the history of English is provided, which includes an outline of English in relation to its origins. A deeper analysis is then given on each of the key stages of Early English, using the language of King Alfred, Chaucer, and Shakespeare respectively to illustrate points. Thus, the essential characteristics of each stage of the language are provided to create the ideal course book for History of English courses and to give the student a firm foundation of basic linguistic knowledge which can be applied to further study.

Essentials of Early English: An Introduction to Old, Middle, and Early Modern English

Transforming Early English shows how historical pragmatics can offer a powerful explanatory framework for the changes medieval English and Older Scots texts undergo, as they are transmitted over time and space. The book argues that formal features such as spelling, script and font, and punctuation - often neglected in critical engagement with past texts - relate closely to dynamic, shifting socio-cultural processes, imperatives and functions. This theme is illustrated through numerous case-studies in textual recuperation, ranging from the reinvention of Old English poetry and prose in the later medieval and early modern periods, to the eighteenth-century 'vernacular revival' of literature in Older Scots.

Transforming Early English (Studies in English Language)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Smith, Jeremy J.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Smith, Jeremy J.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Smith, Jeremy J.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Sound Change and the History of English

Essentials of Early English: Old, Middle and Early Modern English

Essentials of Early English: Old, Middle and Early Modern English

Essentials of Early English: Old, Middle and Early Modern English

Essentials of Early English: Introduction To Old, Middle and Early Modern English

Old English: A Linguistic Introduction (Cambridge Introductions to the English Language)

Old English: A Linguistic Introduction (Cambridge Introductions to the English Language)

Essentials of Early English: An Introduction to Old, Middle, and Early Modern English

Essentials of Early English

Transforming Early English (Studies in English Language)