by Merritt Ruhlen (Author)

This is the first of three pathbreaking volumes that will constitute a wide-ranging analytical guide to the world's approximately 5,000 languages. The volumes are written for both linguists and general readers, and this first volume in particular assumes no background in linguistics. A postscript prepared for this paperback edition takes research data to 1990. The book is illustrated with 21 maps.

Back Jacket

A definitive reference work on the classification of human languages with state-of-the-art freshness and great clarity.--Diachronica
"It is interesting to read, is well documented and thorough, and is useful as a work of reference."--Modern Language Review