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Rating: 
Summary: The classic
Review: If one were asked to name the definite book on the use of English as an international language this would probably be the item to go for. There are other more controversial (and thus often more popular) books written on the subject - such as Crystal's "English as a Global Language" and Phillipson's "Linguistic Imperialism". However, if one is looking for a book that avoids the polemical pitfall of oversimplification, Kachru's work (although 10 years old by now) remains the best buy. The 1992 edition (the first one came out in 1982) contains contributions by (nearly) all the big names in the field such as Joshua Fishman (sociology), Peter Strevens, Larry E. Smith (intelligibility), Peter Lowenberg (testing), Ayo Bamgbose (Nigerian English), Edwin Thumboo (literature) and Cecil Nelson (communicative competence) to name only a few. Of course there are contributions by Kachru as well, most notably perhaps his article on teaching world Englishes which teachers might find highly useful. The multitude of perspectives is the book's biggest advantage; it leaves it to the reader to form his/her own opinion instead of trying to sway him towards a preconceived thesis (as in Crystal's and Phillipson's work). All in all, this book can be recommended to beginners and professionals, students and teachers, in short to everyone who has an interest in World Englishes.
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