With the publication in 1892–7 of this two-volume work, Swiss philologist Robert von Planta (1864–1937) cemented his reputation as one of the leading authorities on Indo-European grammar. After studying in his home country and Germany, he made his living as an independent researcher. He was also active in the movement against Italian irredentism and defended in writing the rights of the Swiss-German population. This work is an exhaustive account of the history and development of Osco-Umbrian phonology and syntax, adding to Mommsen's earlier contributions in the field. Volume 1 is dedicated to an overview of Osco-Umbrian phonology and stands as testimony to the development of phonological studies in the decade prior to its publication. With great diligence the author guides the reader through the history of the ancient populations of Italy and the different types of dialect found in the Osco-Umbrian area.