'English In Modern Times' describes the development of the English language from 1700 until 1945, and argues that it is in the course of this later modern English period that the characteristics of 'modern' English evolved. This is the first undergraduate text to cover the whole of this important period, which has been called the 'Cinderella' of English historical linguistics because of its lack of representation in scholarly literature.
This book is sociohistorical in orientation, arguing that social changes in the Anglophone world need to be taken into account if we are to understand the linguistic changes that occurred during this period. Unlike many earlier histories of English, this text does not define 'English' as confined to Standard (English) English, but also considers the development of extraterritorial Englishes and non-standard varieties of British English in the later modern period.
'English In Modern Times' is essential reading for undergraduates and graduate students taking historical courses on the English language as well as other scholars who would like a handy guide to this period as a first step in their research.
