Moore Samuel, Knott Thomas A. The Elements of Old English: Elementary Grammar, Reference Grammar and Reading Selections

Tenth Edition. — Hulbert James R. (ed.). — Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007. — 357 p.The primary purpose of the authors of the Elements of Old English has been to produce an introductory book which will facilitate and expedite the teaching and study of Old English in such classes as their own, composed of graduate and advanced undergraduate students. To attain this object we have, in the Elementary Grammar, selected and arranged the essential paradigms, in the order of their relative importance, into twenty-four chapters designed as progressive lessons. In this part of the book the less frequent variant forms have been omitted. All the grammatical information necessary to enable a student to begin reading freely is contained in the first seven chapters. Each chapter includes a reading selection adapted to the advancing capacity of the student, and accompanied by notes explaining those forms which have not yet been presented systematically. In the chapters the primitive and prehistoric Old English sound changes have been explained more fully on a historical and phonetic basis than is usual in such a book as this, partly in order to clarify and rationalize the apparent irregularities of the inflections, and partly in order to acquaint elementary students with the methods and principles of the historical study of language and linguistic change. In the Reference Grammar is given a systematic and ordered treatment of Old English phonology and morphology which serves to bridge the gap between the Elementary Grammar and such standard grammars as those of Cosijn, Sievers, Wright, and Bulbring.
The Elementary Grammar has been used in mimeographed editions at the Universities of Chicago, Michigan, and Wisconsin, at Northwestern University, and at other universities and colleges. It has been twice re-written, and is now issued with the changes suggested by experience and criticism. Further criticisms and corrections from instructors and students will be welcomed.