Intended as a supplement to a standard text on English language history, this collection of 14 Old, 14 Middle, and 10 Early Modern English passages is designed to help the student understand for himself (through examination of concrete examples) the linguistic principles and conclusions discussed in texts and lectures. Suggestive questions are included for five of the Old English selections. Literal translations are provided for 10 Old and Middle English passages. Most of the Old English passages are reprinted in standardized West Saxon forms, although samples of Mercian and Northumbrian are included. The Middle English selections are mostly East Midland, but the Northern, Southwestern, and West Midland dialects are also represented. (DL)