World-renowned linguist David Crystal rids grammar of its undeserved reputation as a dry yet intimidating subject. Grammar poses a special challenge because of a centuries-old history of educational practice that taught the 'how' but not the 'why' of grammar. He confronts these basic yet unaddressed questions to render surprising answers: where did grammar come from? Why is it needed? What is its value? How should it be taught - and tested? And where on earth can glamour lie in all of this? The more we understand about where our grammar comes from, Crystal persuades us, the more sense it will make to us, and the more sense we will make.

David Crystal is Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. He is the author of dozens of books on language, including The Oxford Dictionary of Original Shakespearean Pronunciation, The Story of English in 100 Words, Spell It Out: The Curious, Enthralling and Extraordinary Story of English Spelling, and Making a Point: The Persnickety Story of English Punctuation.