OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE [Illustration] W. & R. CHAMBERS LONDON AND EDINBURGH 1882 Edinburgh: Printed by W. & R. Chambers. PREFACE. The object of this book, as indicated in the title, is to give an outline of the History of the English Language and Literature. It aims, however, at being something more than a mere statement of facts. It is intended to excite an interest in English philology, and in the leading authors that from the time of Cædmon have used the English tongue. It is therefore to be regarded as an introduction to English philology and literature; and is adapted for use in the advanced classes of elementary schools, in secondary schools, and for pupil teachers, as well as for private students. CONTENTS. _LANGUAGE._ CHAPTER I. =HISTORY OF THE VOCABULARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.= PAGE 1. What a Language is 7 2. The English Language 7 3. Family 8 4. Teutons 8 5. High-German 9 6. Low-German 9 7. Scandinavian 10 8. The chief Teutonic Languages 10 9. Where the English came from 11 10. The Periods of English 12 11. Anglo-Saxon 12 12. Early English 13 13. Middle English 13 14. Modern English 13 15. English Words in English Language 14 16. Changes in English 15 17. Loss and Gain 16 18. Foreign Elements in English 16 19. Welsh 17 20. Keltic Element 18 21. Latin Element of First Period (i) 18 22. “ “ (ii) 19 23. Latin Element of Second Period (i) 20 24. “ “ (ii) 20