This isn't a dry history of grammar rules. Lambley paints a vivid picture of a time when speaking French was the ultimate status symbol in England. Starting with the Norman Conquest's legacy, she tracks how French evolved from a language of conquerors to a must-have skill for anyone who wanted to get ahead at the Tudor court, in business, or in high society.

The Story

The book follows the rollercoaster journey of the French language in England. After the Normans, French was the language of the elite. But then, English fought back and became dominant. So why, during the reigns of the Tudors, did French come roaring back into fashion? Lambley digs into the reasons: political marriages, new trade routes, Renaissance ideas, and pure social climbing. She introduces us to the first French teachers, the phrasebooks they sold, and the intense debate over whether learning French was patriotic or a betrayal of Englishness.

Why You Should Read It

I loved how this book connects dots I never thought about. It makes you realize that language learning is never just about words. It's about who has power, what's considered 'cultured,' and how people signal their place in the world. Reading about Tudor nobles scrambling to learn French to impress the king felt oddly modern. It's a smart, accessible look at the social politics behind something we often take for granted.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who enjoy social history over battles and dates, or for anyone curious about why English is such a linguistic mutt. If you've ever used words like 'liberty' or 'cuisine' and wondered about their backstory, this book is a delightful and insightful deep dive. It turns a niche academic topic into a genuinely compelling human story.