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102 reviews for:
The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary
Simon Winchester
3.78 AVERAGE
102 reviews for:
The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary
Simon Winchester
3.78 AVERAGE
Loved the first section (pp. 1-18), which is on the history of the English language. The rest of the book was interesting, very much so in parts, but not enough so for me to recommend this to anyone who isn't already sure they want to learn about the making of a dictionary. I did enjoy learning how dictionaries come to be and how words are discussed among philologists. in fact, I was fascinated by the field of philology in general, a branch of study I had never heard of. (philology definition here)
Read via audiobook -- which is read by the author whose voice I liked.
I would read more by Winchester.
Read via audiobook -- which is read by the author whose voice I liked.
I would read more by Winchester.
As a non-native English speaker, I used and still use Oxford Dictionary countless time during my learning. It's essential tool for everyone, so it is refreshing to know the story of making this valuable item.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
Getting back on track with my goal to read more non-fiction I picked up The Meaning of Everything because it seemed like an interesting story. There are interesting bits but for the most part it's a dry-as-dust stilted affair. I've read many history texts I enjoyed far more. Still the writing is competent and at least the story has a defined beginning, middle and end.
Another delightful story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary from the author of The Professor and the Madman—this one showing a much bigger picture.
It's got literary men using etymology to insult one another, people working out of sheds, and even a Tolkien cameo. It's fascinating, funny, and absolutely riveting.
It's got literary men using etymology to insult one another, people working out of sheds, and even a Tolkien cameo. It's fascinating, funny, and absolutely riveting.
informative
slow-paced
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
As one might imagine in a biography of a dictionary, this book is full of big and colorful words. Most of those are not found as examples of words selected for definitions. I found this most interesting in part because I read The Professor and the Madman several years ago. I find that Winchester is most compelling when he deals with people and their personal idiosyncrasies as opposed to more general history. He tells stories of people well and that makes it easier to tolerate the discussion of lexicographical minutiae.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Read it for my masters in translation.