Discusses how Anglo-American has become the language of the world, and describes the changes that English has brought to far-away cultures in distant places.

“A fascinating study not only of the roots and growth of our own language but of its future.”—Bloomsbury Review It seems impossible: a small island in the

Written in a detailed and fascinating manner, this book is ideal for general readers interested in the English language.

Do you "know" that posh comes from an acronym meaning "port out, starboard home"? That "the whole nine yards" comes from (pick one) the length of a WWII gunner'