A HandBook of the English Language

Robert Gordon Latham (1812-1888) was an eminent English philologist, ethnologist, and physician, renowned for his scholarly contributions to the study of language. Latham's literary achievements include the esteemed work 'A Handbook of the English Language' (1852), in which he rigorously analyzed the origins, structure, and evolutions of the English language. His writing style combines academic precision with a passion for etymology and syntax, offering an insightful exploration suitable for students and scholars alike. As an educator, Latham served as professor of English language and literature at University College, London, where he influenced a generation of linguists with his groundbreaking theories. A testament to his dedication to language studies, Latham's handbook was a quintessential text for those studying English in the nineteenth century, laying the groundwork for future linguistic research. The book delineated the key aspects of historical and comparative linguistics and offered a thorough examination of phonology, grammar, and semantic changes over time. With a medical background, Latham brought an analytical eye to his literary endeavors, exemplified in his methodical approach to dissecting language components. His work in philology stands as a cornerstone of the field, reflecting the scholastic vigor of the Victorian era's approach to the study of English.