Empires of the Word

An unusual and authoritative 'natural history of languages' that narrates the ways in which one language has superseded or outlasted another at different times in history.

Reviews

‘It is a compelling read, one of the most interesting books I have read in a long while…a great book. After reading it you will never think of language in the same way again.’ Guardian
‘Learned and entertaining…remarkably comprehensive as well as thought-provoking.’ Observer
‘Ostler is particularly good on this linguistic fragility…This richly various book offers new insights and information for almost everyone interested in the past.’ Sunday Telegraph
‘A serious work of scholarship, but one that can be read from cover to cover by the amateur enthusiast…the breadth of this analysis is breathtaking … it does its job admirably.’ Spectator
‘Ambitious and well-researched.’ New Statesman