<P>This is a comprehensive language text about the evolution of Spanish, from its Latin roots to modern Spanish, that is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. It provides an overview of the birth, formation, and development of the Spanish language in a clear and systematic way and includes exercises and illustrative texts. It is user-friendly for instructors, as it provides all the necessary elements (history, exercises, and primary sources) for use as a main text—no supplements are needed.