The Story of French

The Story of French, by Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow. St. Martin's Press.

A history of the evolution of the French language. It's light on linguistic detail, and focuses more on the reasons — historical ones, of course — that explain why French speakers are how they collectively are.

Did you know that L'Académie française has had very few linguists as members (immortels)? Or how Anglo Canada reneged on its word various times until the Québécois decided that enough was enough?

Despite, or maybe because of, the rise of English, French remains a relevant international language today. Or so many learners from around the world have decided. And it probably isn't a bad decision; almost wherever you go, you'll find someone who speaks at least a little English. I've never tried speaking French to strangers (except when in francophone countries), but it may well be the case that its diffusion is similar in scope to English's, and as such a good choice for a second (or third, or ...) language if you don't know where your travels may lead you.