Language. An Introduction to the Study of Speech.

When I started reading this work I found that it was very difficult to get through much at once. The book is very dense and packed with insightful examples. However, Sapir illustrates points quite well. In it he discusses phonetic theories, concepts of drift, syntax and word structure, how language and culture are related, and the like. There are few more comprehensive introductions to the field today, and fewer introductions still which go into the level of depth that he does. Highly recommended.

Sapir's 1921 "Language" is one of the finest of many fine works by the distinguished linguist, anthropologist and humanist. With piercing yet accessible insight, he guides the reader through fundamental questions about language: How are culture and language related? How does language work? How do languages vary? Although there are many general introductions to the subject (Bloomfield's and Jesperson's volume come to mind), Sapir's is unmatched for sheer readability in interest. Highly recommended.