International History of Linguistics

One of the most interesting periods in the history of linguistic thought, the 18th century is also one of the most neglected. Richer in diversity than the corresponding period in France, there is still a reflection of continental influences. The inheritance of linguistic ideas from Graeco-Roman antiquity is prominent and there is considerable discussion on the theory of universal grammar. Growing interest in historical and comparative aspects of language study lead to the realisation that Indo-European languages are very much related – a discovery with important cultural and religious implications.
The definitive edition of each book has been selected for this collection, which include the subject-formative works like:
James Harris’ Hermes: or, a Philosophical Inquiry Concerning Universal Grammar
John Horne Tooke’s The Diversions of Purley
A. B. Johnsons’ A Treatise on Language
James Beattie’s The Theory of Language
W. Dwight Whitney’s Language and the Study of Language: Twelve Lectures on the Principles of Linguistic Science.
William D. Whitney’s The Life and Growth of Language: an Outline of Linguistic Science.