The source and nature of earliest speech and civilization are puzzles that have intrigued people for many centuries. This book surveys ancient Greek views on these questions. It discusses the harmonious language of the golden age, the means by which language was first invented, and some ancient "linguists" described by Homer and Herodotus.

Contents

1. Polyphemus the Linguist
2. Language in the Golden Age
3. Psammetichus' Children
4. The Invention of Language
5. Between Language and Speech