Introduction

The English language in the Renaissance was in many ways a collection of competing Englishes. Paula Blank investigates the representation of alternative vernaculars - the dialects of early modern English - in both linguistic and literary works of the period.

Thesis

Blank argues that Renaissance authors such as Spenser, Shakespeare and Jonson helped to construct the idea of a national language, variously known as "true" English or "pure" English or the "King"'s English

Dialect and Cultural Authority

by distinguishing its dialects - and sometimes by creating those dialects themselves. Broken English reveals how the Renaissance "invention" of dialect forged modern alliances of language and cultural authority.

Audience and Significance

This book will be of interest to scholars and students of Renaissance studies and Renaissance English literature. It will also make fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in the history of English language.