An argument for, and account of linguistic universals in the morphology of comparison, combining empirical breadth and theoretical rigor.

This brilliant investigation of the morphology of comparatives and superlatives in a wide sample of languages illustrates the necessity of using sophisticated theoretical proposals to do cogent typological research, and persuasively makes the case that typologically absent patterns of suppletion are absent for structural reasons. The monograph is a model of clarity of argumentation and presentation of data, and will also serve as an excellent introduction to the theory of Distributed Morphology. -- Jason Merchant, University of Chicago Jonathan Bobaljik's book studies how comparison is expressed in different languages. Universals in Comparative Morphology is based on a detailed investigation of over three hundred languages and includes novel contributions to the understanding of many important issues in morphology, syntax, and semantics. -- Morris Halle, Institute Professor and Professor of Linguistics, Emeritus, Department of Linguistics, MIT This book is a triumph. It sets a new standard for morphosyntax by exploring a deep explanatory principle--the Containment Hypothesis--in a broad but meticulously documented empirical base. -- Edwin S. Williams, Professor of Linguistics, Princeton University