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jennrocca's review against another edition
4.0
Fun and interesting. I read it sloooowly. A few pages a night. It's not a binge read but I did enjoy it.
thomas849939's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
robynedexter's review against another edition
4.0
Though it got a bit technical at times, this book was a delight. I had no idea the work that went into creating a dictionary. Stamper is sassy and a wonderful writer.
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!