<div><div>This readable textbook tells the fascinating story of the English language in three ways. It begins by&nbsp;tracing the history of the language from its obscure beginnings over 1500 years ago and follows up by showing the geographical spread of the language&nbsp;and its increasing diversity. Finally, it looks at the present state of English as a global language and problems and uncertainties of its future.&nbsp; Students interested in the history of the English language will be well-served by this valuable introduction.<br></div></div>