This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Empires Of The Word

   A Language History of the World

   

   The book explores the history and influence of the world's major languages, examining how they have spread, evolved, and sometimes declined over time. It delves into the cultural, political, and economic factors that have contributed to the rise and fall of languages, highlighting the roles of conquest, trade, religion, and technology. Through a detailed analysis of various linguistic empires, the book provides insights into the power dynamics of language and its impact on human civilization, illustrating how languages have shaped and been shaped by the societies that speak them.

2. 2. The Last Lingua Franca

   English Until the Return of Babel

   

   This insightful exploration delves into the history and future of global languages, examining how dominant languages rise and fall over time. It highlights the factors that contribute to a language becoming a lingua franca, such as political power, economic influence, and cultural prestige. The narrative weaves through historical examples, from Latin and Greek to English and Mandarin, while contemplating the possibility of a future where no single language dominates. The book challenges the notion of linguistic inevitability, suggesting that technological advancements and cultural shifts may lead to a more multilingual world.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

3. 3. Surviving Genocide

   

   In this compelling exploration of human resilience and cultural endurance, the narrative delves into the harrowing experiences of indigenous communities facing the threat of extinction. Through a detailed examination of historical events, the book highlights the strategies employed by these communities to preserve their languages, traditions, and identities amidst the onslaught of colonial forces and modern challenges. It underscores the importance of cultural preservation and the indomitable spirit of those who strive to maintain their heritage against overwhelming odds.

4. 4. Ad Infinitum

   A Biography of Latin

   

   A concise history of Latin, following its ascent from a regional dialect to the lingua franca of empire, church, and learning, and charting its roles through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the scientific revolution. It explains how the language shaped law, literature, education, and European identity, why it yielded to vernaculars, and how its legacy survives in Romance languages, technical vocabularies, and modern revivals. Blending linguistic insight with cultural history, it shows how a so‑called “dead” language still animates the contemporary world.