The description for this book, The Languages of China, will be forthcoming.
In producing a book on China as a linguistic area, the ideal is a comprehensive and accurate account that places China's linguistic diversity in a meaningful historical, geographical, and social context. Ramsey has succeeded admirably in achieving this end.
---Jerome L. Packard,The Journal of Asian Studies . . . a unique and brilliant work. . . . Ramsey integrates nearly all of the gains of modern research on the Chinese language and skillfully presents the results in a concise, interesting, and comprehensible manner.
---Charles N. Li,American Anthropologist . . . I find
The Languages of Chinaa pleasure in virtually all respects. It is extremely easy to read, full of useful information, and beautifully produced.
---Victor H. Mair,Pacific Affairs [This] is a volume that provides a feeling of depth while still being accessible to the general reader: I recommend it to anyone at all interested in Chinese history or comparative linguistics.