When the first edition of Semantics appeared in 1976, the developments
in this aspect of language study were exciting interest not only among
linguists, but among philosophers, psychologists and logicians.
Professor Palmer's straightforward and comprehensive book was
immediately welcomed as one of the best introductions to the subject.
Interest in Semantics has been further stimulated recently by a number
of significant, and often contriversial, theoretical advances; and the
publication of this second edition has enabled Professor Palmer to bring
his survey thoroughly up to date. There is also an important new chapter
on 'Semantics and logic', showing clearly and simply the influence that
logical models have had on the study of meaning. Professor Palmer always
illustrates his argument with helpful examples, and his non-technical
explanations will be readily intelligible to the interested layman as
well as to beginning students of language and linguistics.