A Grammar of the English Language provides a fascinating snapshot of the language and grammar of the early nineteenth century. It was a controversial book, first published in 1818 in New York and in 1819 in London. The author, William Cobbett (1763-1835), was a champion of the poor who had taught himself to read and write. His radicalism brought him into conflict with the authorities on many occasions. He reserved a special kind of venom for politicians,...