"These sketches by Neil Smith's deft and expert hands provide a wonderful sampling of many and diverse paths of inquiry inspired by and informing the study of language, the unexpected delights one encounters on the way, the surprising and thought-provoking insights, and the puzzles, paradoxes and mysteries that offer a persistent challenge to understanding of essential elements of human nature." Noam Chomsky<i>,</i> Massachusetts Institute of Technology <br /> <p>"Neil Smith has not only a profound knowledge of current developments in linguistics but also a talent for explaining the issues clearly and approachably." John Wells FBA<i>,</i> University College London<br /> </p> <p>"Smith is a thorough linguist with a sense of humor. Readers will find interesting linguistic ideas in small delicate amount enough to induce a linguistic quest for more revealing information. This book offers quick linguistic treats of fresh ideas and key findings in linguistics." <i>Linguistische Berichte</i></p>