"The assertion is heard from time to time that the common language of the United States is not really "English." On the contrary, goes the chauvinistic argument we speak "American", and the title of H.L. Mencken's most enduring labor is cited as proof that there is an "American Language." Up to a point- up to a very narrow point- assertion is valid. Our British cousins spell it labour, we spell it labor; their cars run on petrol, ours on gas. To knock up means one thing in London, something else in New York. But when these differences have been taken fully into account, our mother tongue remains - English. Our distinctively American contributions amount to no more than a few late afternoon freckles on a vulnerable visage. This book has to do with the use of the English language in the late 20th century."