Political Economy and Sociolinguistics: Neoliberalism, Inequality and Social Class is written in Block's readable style and is suitable for graduate student level research and above. Through the initial three theoretical chapters which dissect the principle concepts of the book, Block succeeds in providing a strong foundation for the analyses that follow. The accessible case studies and succinct discussions will be of use to educators wishing to demonstrate to students of all levels the prevalence and depth of the discursive construction of neoliberalism, inequality, and 'classtalk' in 'western' societies. It will also be of interest to linguists hoping to integrate political economy in their research, particularly those seeking a history and a firm theoretical foundation in the area. This book is particularly necessary at this juncture in time, when market rule appears absolute, and with the rise of far-right parties and groups across Europe and North America ... The book calls for increased collaboration between linguists interested in political economy and economists of language, bridging the ontological and epistemological differences in each field.

LINGUIST List

This represents an important project which could both fill a gap and chime with the growing interest in political economy in language disciplines. Given that the author is a leading writer in the field, the book will undoubtedly sell well and may possibly become something of a landmark piece in the 'political economy' turn in sociolinguistics.

Marnie Holborow, Associate Faculty, School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS), Dublin City University, Ireland