The Adventure of English

I can't recommend this too highly.

Bragg is an unpretentious host as he guides us through the historical development of the English language. Many people don't know or care how or why Americans say "fore-head" while Brits say "forrid." Or why "honor" is spelled (or spellt) "honour" in the Old Country. There aren't many pivot points that can be traced to one man but that change can be.

The format is pleasant, relaxed, and undemanding. I wish it had been available when I was teaching a course in "Language and Culture" because this covers many of the same bases -- not just language but history as well.

Watch it.