This is the best general introduction to linguistics I have ever read. It gives an excellent overview of all the main areas in a lively and entertaining style; the jargon is kept to a bare minimum, and, when it must be introduced, it is well explained.

One of the things I particularly like about this book is that it has an exceptionally helpful bibliography. If you want to read further on a given sub-speciality, Trask not only gives you a reading list at the end of each chapter which is linked to the bibliography, but also adds his own comments on each book so that you can see at a glance exactly which books you will find most helpful for your own studies. I wish every academic writer took the trouble to do this.

In short - even if you have only a passing interest in linguistics, go and buy this book. It rocks! ( )