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ianacook's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a phenomenal book! It really gives you a sense of the inner workings of lexicography and the goings-on at dictionaries. Despite its seemingly dry topic, the book is extremely funny and sarcastic, while at the same time some chapters (like the 9th, on bad words) read like poignant philosophical essays. But beyond that, it represents and illustrates the great love and care the unnoticed and unthanked lexicographers have for the English language and the work they do.
eandrews80's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
This is just wonderful. Stamper not only explains the history of dictionaries and the craft of lexicography in a concise and compelling way, but does so with a sly and delightful sense of humor. There's a dry paragraph here and there, but otherwise, Stamper has created a super engaging book for people who love the English language. I had never given much thought to how dictionaries are made, and while I can't say that this makes me want to be a lexicographer, it gives me a great deal of admiration for people who devote their lives to this ongoing, challenging work.
waynediane's review against another edition
5.0
If love words, books, and definitions. You will love this book!
charmander17's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
zober's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.75
I love words, but this book felt repetitive. The tone of the book also was odd; while half of the book is Stamper describing the self-admitted unglamorous life of a lexicographer, (called a "drudge" about a hundred times), somehow it still came across as a bit holier-than-thou. Much of the book felt like Stamper going, "Oh, you love words casually? Well let me tell you what it's like to love words professionally. We all hate human interaction. Have I mentioned we don't like socializing?"
Some chapters were quite interesting, but nonetheless I kept increasing the pace of the audiobook so I could get through it more quickly.
Some chapters were quite interesting, but nonetheless I kept increasing the pace of the audiobook so I could get through it more quickly.
heidihaverkamp's review against another edition
4.0
A delightful book about the people who write dictionaries for a living, namely at Merriam Webster, and the strange, often hilarious work they do and letters they receive from their concerned public. A real treat for word lovers, or anyone or finds strange, unusual jobs interesting.