General history of the English language – book / website recommendation? [closed]
‘The Stories of English’ and ‘The Story of English in 100 Words’, both by David Crystal.
‘The Oxford History of English’, edited by Lynda Mugglestone.
‘A History of the English Language’, edited by Richard Hogg and David Denison].
‘A History of the English Language’ by Albert C Baugh, edited by Thomas Cable.
I think you can do far worse than Bill Bryson's 'Mother Tongue'. very humorous, as is all of Bryson's work, but this book makes clear that he is able to produce a very well-researched history as well. It may be the starter for which you are looking.