A history of English from the age of Beowulf to the rap of Eminem, “written with real authority, enthusiasm and love for our unruly and exquisite language”

Why does the world speak English? Why does every country at least pretend to aspire to representative government, personal freedom, and an independent judiciary

A 400-year history of the development of alchemy in England that brings to light the evolution of the practice. In medieval and early modern Europe, the practic

The English language in its complex shapes and forms changes fast. This thoroughly revised edition has been refreshed with current examples of change and has be

Acknowledgments; A Note on Dates and Spelling; Cast of Characters; Introduction; Chapter 1 From Competition to Conspiracy; Chapter 2 The Amboyna Business; Chapt