This book is the third edition of a successful textbook. 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 Modem English.

Jeremy J. Smith is Professor Emeritus in English Language and Linguistics, University of Glasgow, UK. His most recent monograph is Transforming Early English (2020).

Preface

Part I: Description

1. Introduction

2. Describing language

3. Old English

4. Middle English

5. Early Modern English

Part II: Illustrative Texts

Section A. Old English texts

Section B. Middle English texts

Section C. Early Modern English

Part III: Bibliography, Old English glossary, and thematic index

Annotated bibliography

Old English glossary

Thematic index