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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
Fantastic, actually. It's about the early years of the Oxford English Dictionary. From it's conception, through the tumultuousness years of not enough funding and the sheer overwhelming number of words in the English language, to the very first edition.
I have now decided I want a set of the Oxford English Dictionary for my very own.
If you like words, read this book. Winchester uses lots of odd and obscure words.
I have now decided I want a set of the Oxford English Dictionary for my very own.
If you like words, read this book. Winchester uses lots of odd and obscure words.
informative
inspiring
Whilst this was an interesting book it wasn't the most entertaining. I've seen other reviews say they found it funny but I couldn't really find anything humourous apart from a couple quotes. For a short book it drags a little in parts but overall it is a worthwhile read into an amazing endeavour in the the preservation of the English language.
I had a tough time getting through this book. It took over 50 years to publish the complete 12 volumes in the first Oxford English Dictionary in 1928. It's a story of mismanagement, dedicated workers, poorly defined scope, and both good and bad luck. In short, it has all of the qualities of an ambitious project, be it a building or a book.
I hoped that there was a surprising gem or interesting twist in the story, but it is exactly what it purports to be, so judge this book by the cover.
I hoped that there was a surprising gem or interesting twist in the story, but it is exactly what it purports to be, so judge this book by the cover.
informative
medium-paced
I FINALLY FINISHED THIS BOOK! And it didn't take me *QUITE* as long as it took to complete the OED. ;) Favorite quote: The dude who said that learning your first 12 languages was pretty tough, but after that, the next 100 was no trouble at all.
So much to love: etymology, lexicography, English history, highly educated British elites (many of which rose from humble backgrounds)!
This book opened my eyes to the immensity of the project to create the OED. If you are fascinated by words this book might interest you.