By introducing the reader to the major issues and themes that have determined the development of the Western linguistic tradition, an evolution of linguistic thought quickly becomes apparent. Each chapter in this accessible book contains a short extract from a "landmark" text followed by a commentary which places the text in its social and intellectual context.

The authors, who consider writers from Aristotle to Caxton to Saussure, have fully revised the original edition of this text. Complete with two new chapters on Bishop John Wilkins and Frege, a revised preface and updated bibliography, this book will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in the history of linguistics or the history of Western thought.