The Merge Hypothesis is the central empirical theoretical contribution of the Minimalist Program (MP) to syntactic theory. This book offers an accessible overview of the MP, debunking common sixty years of Generative research, culminating in GB theory. He introduces The Fundamental Principle of Grammar, which advocates including labels as part of the Merge Operation and centring the notion of the constituent as the key domain of syntactic commerce. The early chapters identify the goals of the MP, how they arose from earlier descriptive and explanatory successes of the mentalist tradition within Generative Grammar, and how to develop them in future work to expand its descriptive and explanatory range. It is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary syntactic theory.

‘All you need is Merge - a provocative foundation for Hornstein’s impressive collection of footnotes that forms a coherent theory of (aspects of) syntax. Labeling might further help define the human language faculty as a cognitive system. But syntacticians narrowly interested in the properties of natural language grammars can rightfully breathe a sigh of relief: Merge is all you need.’

Kleanthes K. Grohmann - Professor of Biolinguistics, University of Cyprus

‘Norbert Hornstein is one of the most lucid, engaging teachers and writers in linguistics. This work is an essential exploration of the human faculty of language, guiding the reader through the history of the generative grammar enterprise and recasting its fundamental insights into the architecture of grammar in a modern, minimalist light.’

Bridget Samuels - University of Southern California

‘With its lively style, and total command of the history and current state of the theory, this book is sure to generate productive discussion among practitioners of Minimalism, while also serving as an excellent advanced introduction to leading ideas in the field. The book reviews and presents important new arguments for the idea that Merge is the central operation of the syntax, and, with clarity and insight, advances novel ideas about its form and function. An impressive work.’

T. Daniel Seely - Program in Linguistics, Eastern Michigan University