Based on an extensive corpus-based study, this revealing book explores how epistemic stance is expressed in the early modern period, and in doing so, presents new methodologies for using corpora to investigate issues in historical pragmatics. It provides a new, corpus-driven method for the analysis of pragmatic functions that rely on context-dependent interpretations. By retrieving passages that include a high-density of the pragmatic function under investigation, the subsequent analysis can reveal previously neglected forms and context-dependent factors. It includes four empirical studies that apply the method to the analysis of epistemic stance in four Early Modern English corpora, the result of which emphasise the importance of context for the expression of stance. It also includes an appendix with inventories of Early Modern English stance expressions, offering starting points for further research studies. It is essential reading for researchers and students in historical pragmatics and corpus pragmatics.

‘Earlier research has often assumed that Early Modern English is relatively poor in epistemic stance markers. This outstanding monograph demonstrates that appropriate, innovative corpus methods reveal a much richer picture of the many creative ways in which Early Modern English conveyed degrees of certainty and reliability of information.’

Andreas H. Jucker - Professor Emeritus of English Linguistics, University of Zurich

‘Landert’s Methods in Historical Corpus Pragmatics succeeds convincingly in showing two things: the necessary combination of the qualitative with the quantitative dimension and the insoluble interdependence of a linguistic phenomenon with its generic contexts. Its methodological implications are thought-provoking for both corpus users and compilers.’

Claudia Claridge - Chair of English Linguistics, University of Augsburg