This book offers a unique historical perspective on linguistics by focusing exclusively on how people's evolving opinions, beliefs, and attitudes have shaped the English language over the centuries. Moving away from a standard timeline of grammar and vocabulary changes, Bailey draws on a rich collection of historical quotations to show how commentary about English has always reflected the social anxieties, national pride, and political biases of its time. By tracing these perceptions from the 16th century to the post-colonial world, the book deconstructs the myth of simple "English triumphalism" and reveals that contemporary debates—such as complaints over linguistic decline or calls for gender-neutral phrasing—are actually deeply rooted in centuries-old social dynamics. Ultimately, this foundational text illustrates how our ideas about language are a mirror to society itself, making it an indispensable resource for students and scholars of sociolinguistics, history, and cultural studies.

W. Brian Arthur was External Professor, Santa Fe Institute, and Visiting Researcher, Intelligent Systems Lab, Palo Alto Research Center.