This book investigates the underlying mechanisms of grammatical change and the reasons for the varying rates at which these changes occur across different languages. D. Gary Miller, a scholar in historical linguistics, utilizes a comparative framework to examine the evolution of nonfinite structures. By applying the principles of Chomsky's minimalist program, the author constructs an argument that bridges the gap between theoretical linguistics and historical language analysis.

Experts in the field recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of diachronic syntax and comparative linguistics. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for advanced students and professional linguists.