Richard W. Bailey (1) (1939–2011)

The author provides a historical survey of English in America by looking at speech in specifc citizens in the US. The information provided required some research and compilation required some thought. The presentation is sometimes difficult to understand and the overall book is uninspiring. I cannot recommend this book.

Don't expect a Bill Bryson style list of vocabulary trivia here: "Speaking American" is a rather dull and scholarly rambling about the evolution of the English language spoken in America from the first immigrants to the 21st century. Not uninteresting, but sadly not very entertaining.

A beautifully written book about a most interesting figure in philological and criminal history. Also beautifully researched (no surprise there).

Presentation copy. Signed by Dick Bailey.