I've just finished reading Linguistics: An Introduction as part of my reading list before enrolling in an MA in Linguistics & Literature. It is quite comprehensive and written in a clear, simple language. You might feel a bit overwhelmed with all the technical terms included, but there's a glossary toward the end of the book that is useful for a quick review. All in all, recommended!
An absolutely delightful and engaging read. This text is well-organized and does well to cover the breadth of the topic of linguistics. It is detailed enough to give you a decent amount of knowledge on the topic and whet your appetite for more, while not being too overwhelming if you're new to the subject matter. The chapters have supplementary information, summaries, and thought-provoking questions. From a design standpoint, the layout is simple and aesthetically pleasing. This is absolutely something I will reference in the future and recommend to others.
An interesting introductory work to linguistics, that focuses on topics such as phonology, morphology, socio- and psycholinguistics and many other subjects. The first few chapters from part I: SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE are a little difficult for someone who reads this book just for background information on linguistics. However, with the guidance of their professors university students can make the exercices at the end of those chapters. Part II and III are easier and more interesting, as they are about language as a human phenomenon and its diversity. I highly recommend this book!
I'd never recommend this to anyone, nor do I hope you have to read it for class. So why 2 and not 1 star?
Because I can't call this anything but well written in the sense that you absolutely have no doubt that he knows what he's talking about. McGregor truly shows his prowess in this book, but there's not a hint of enjoyment or fascination with the subject anywhere to be found. The language is dry and dense, much more so than your average school textbook. I can't wait to be done with it.
A fairly accessible book on Linguistics, easy to read, to follow, though at times difficult to decipher. However, that is just the study itself in some ways.