• Preface, Preface to the second edition, Abbreviations and phonetic symbols, 1. From Vulgar Latin to the recognition of the new vernacular, 2. The language of the earliest French texts, 3. Old French: language or dialect?, 4. Middle French developments, 5. Progress and prestige in the sixteenth century, 6. Codification and standardisation: Classical and Neo-Classical French, 7. From the Revolution to the present day, 8. The defence of French, Appendix: The distribution of the French language in the world today, Suggestions for further reading, Index

`Should be compulsory reading for any serious practitioner of French, either amateur or professional. Not merely will many things become clear for the first time but it will be a very enjoyable experience.' - Times Educational Supplement`Lucid, scholarly and unpedantic ... a remarkable work of synthesis.' - Modern Language Review

• Preface, Preface to the second edition, Abbreviations and phonetic symbols, 1. From Vulgar Latin to the recognition of the new vernacular, 2. The language of the earliest French texts, 3. Old French: language or dialect?, 4. Middle French developments, 5. Progress and prestige in the sixteenth century, 6. Codification and standardisation: Classical and Neo-Classical French, 7. From the Revolution to the present day, 8. The defence of French, Appendix: The distribution of the French language in the world today, Suggestions for further reading, Index

`Should be compulsory reading for any serious practitioner of French, either amateur or professional. Not merely will many things become clear for the first time but it will be a very enjoyable experience.' - Times Educational Supplement`Lucid, scholarly and unpedantic ... a remarkable work of synthesis.' - Modern Language Review

• Preface, Preface to the second edition, Abbreviations and phonetic symbols, 1. From Vulgar Latin to the recognition of the new vernacular, 2. The language of the earliest French texts, 3. Old French: language or dialect?, 4. Middle French developments, 5. Progress and prestige in the sixteenth century, 6. Codification and standardisation: Classical and Neo-Classical French, 7. From the Revolution to the present day, 8. The defence of French, Appendix: The distribution of the French language in the world today, Suggestions for further reading, Index

`Should be compulsory reading for any serious practitioner of French, either amateur or professional. Not merely will many things become clear for the first time but it will be a very enjoyable experience.' - Times Educational Supplement`Lucid, scholarly and unpedantic ... a remarkable work of synthesis.' - Modern Language Review