"Traditionally, texts on the history of the English language have approached the subject solely from the point of view of linguistics. English from Caedmon to Chaucer goes one step further, placing the language's rich history in a cultural context. Curran discusses the impact of Germanic settlers, Viking invaders, and Norman conquerors on the culture and language of Britain and how these changes have impacted the literature of the English people throughout various periods in history.

She examines the language starting in the fifth century, using a generous selection of excerpts of Old and Middle English works. The texts, accompanied by interlinear Modern English translations, demonstrate the written language while traditional linguistic methodology establishes the language's sound patterns. Readers of all backgrounds will better appreciate the rich literary tradition set by the master poets and prose writers of Old and Middle English."--BOOK JACKET.