Tom McArthur (1938-2020) was a talented linguist who shared a unique understanding of how English had developed (and would continue to develop) as an international language. This collection of papers published within English Today — the journal that he founded and edited for more than 20 years — explores the range and depth of Professor McArthur’s thinking and scholarship about English as an international language. We are also pleased to include, as they become available, memorials written by Tom’s friends and colleagues who worked with him.