The origins, development and diversification of English since its earliest beginnings to the present day have fascinated generations of scholars, and continue to do so. With contributions from the leading researchers in the field, these landmark volumes provide an innovative, inclusive and topical survey of all aspects of the history of English, focusing on recent research and approaches, and providing cutting-edge information on a variety of sub-fields. Volume I considers the historical framework for English; Volume II looks at diachronic data and documentation, along with models for linguistic analysis; and Volume III highlights the transmission of English across the centuries. Volume IV concentrates on the various regional forms of English in Britain, Ireland and Europe; Volume V emphasises the history of English in North America and the Caribbean, and Volume VI, split into two parts, is dedicated to varieties of English across Africa, and Asia, Australia and the Pacific in Part 2.