This work fully documents the origin and development of languages throughout the world. Starting with the evolution and spread of language systems, it then explains language families by area, covering regions as diverse as Eurasia, Africa and the Americas. The atlas also explores the ebb and flow of languages, how certain languages have died out, and how new words emerge and are incorporated into everyday use. In addition, the book covers ancient and modern alphabet systems, from the hieroglyphics of Ancient Egypt and the characters of Far Eastern forms, to Greek and Roman alphabets.