Textbooks in historical linguistics

Abstract

Abstract Four textbooks on historical linguistics that are in print today are compared, taking the point of departure from the newest, 4th edition of the Trask/McColl Millar textbook (2023). All four are judged excellent. All four are intended for general linguistics courses, and those textbooks covering the historical linguistics of a single language or region are not taken into consideration. All four are written well, and authored by major specialists in the field. There is obviously a good deal of overlap between the textbooks, contentwise, and they are compared with regard to the quantity of space devoted to specific topics, and the languages or regions figuring most prominently. The Trask/McColl Millar is criticized for not being updated in a number of areas since the first edition.