The Meaning of Everything : : the Story of the Oxford English Dictionary
Book - 2003 423 Wi 1 On Shelf No requests on this item
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Locations
Call Number: 423 Wi
On Shelf At: Downtown Library
| Location & Checkout Length | Call Number | Checkout Length | Item Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Downtown 2nd Floor 4-week checkout |
423 Wi | 4-week checkout | On Shelf |
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
For the Language-Obsessed
submitted by Sara W on June 20, 2011, 11:31pm
Simon Winchester knows how to make a dry subject interesting. In the case of this history of the Oxford English Dictionary, he makes it fascinating.
He occasionally makes use of words you haven't heard since you last studied for the SATs, but at the same time makes you feel more like he's relating this story while sipping single malt scotch and reclining before a fire.
Winchester's trademark is his frequent use of footnotes, these are almost always more than one sentence long and either elaborate on an aforementioned quirk or illuminate the backstory. I found myself checking for footnotes every time I turned the page because the information in them was always so unexpected and so enjoyable to read.
This book sheds light on the incredible process that goes into the compilation of such a massive reference book, but spends enough time on the colorful characters and ridiculous delays to keep the story entertaining.
PUBLISHED
New York : Oxford University Press, 2003.
Year Published: 2003
Description: xxv, 260 p. : ill., ports. ; 23 cm.
Language: English
Format: Book
ISBN/STANDARD NUMBER
0198607024 :
SUBJECTS
Oxford English Dictionary.
Lexicology -- History.