Review by Choice Review
Linguistics is a multidisciplinary field, and it shares ideas with other "mind fields," e.g., philosophy and psychology. Goldsmith (linguistics and computer science, Univ. of Chicago) and Laks (language sciences, phonology, and cognitive sciences, Univ. of Paris Ouest, France) undertake a historical examination of some of these interdisciplinary connections, with attention to the disagreements often present in linguistics. The authors caution that this is not intended to be a comprehensive history of linguistics, but rather a historical examination of certain ideas in the field. In this way, Goldsmith and Laks's book differs from such works as the multivolume History of Linguistics, ed. by Giulio Lepschy (1994--98), and The Oxford Handbook of the History of Linguistics, ed. by Keith Allan (CH, Nov'13, 51-1311). The present book (volume 1 of a planned two-volume set) attempts to demonstrate the importance of understanding the connections between the work of past theorists and current ideas. The authors acknowledge that their purpose is partially to persuade, and their choice of theorists and movements is subjective. The writing style is readable, but the length of the text may intimidate some. Color-coded diagrams intended to demonstrate relationships among theorists require referring back to the key presented in the preface. This book will interest specialists. Summing Up: Recommended. With reservations. Graduate students, researchers, faculty. --Patti J. Kurtz, Minot State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review