This book considers the synchronic and diachronic syntax of finite clauses in
Medieval French from a generative point of view. Two salient and closely
related features of Old French, the verb-second constraint and the limited
distribution of null subjects, are followed through the Middle French period
where they evolve in largely independent ways. The author argues, after
consideration of several areas of controversy, that V2 in (late) Old French is
triggered by topicalization in root clauses. Such questions as the position of
postverbal subjects from the grammar of French are also addressed. The work
further compares the syntax of Medieval French to that of Modern French and the
Germanic languages and provides extensive documentation from Old and Middle
French texts. Audience: This book will interest theoretical linguists and
philologists, especially those concerned with the history of syntax of French,
Romance or Germanic languages.
