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The Word Detective

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The Word Detective

A Life in Words: From Serendipity to Selfie
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Description

Language is always changing. No one knows where it is going but the best way to future-cast is to look at the past. John Simpson animates for us a tradition of researching and editing, showing us both the technical lexicography needed to understand a word, and the careful poetry needed to construct its definition. He challenges both the idea that dictionaries are definitive, and the notion that language is falling apart. With a sense of humour, an ability to laugh at bureaucracy and an inclination to question the status quo, John Simpson gives life to the colourful characters at the OED and to the English language itself. He splices his stories with entertaining and erudite diversions into the history and origin of words such as 'kangaroo', 'hot-dog', 'pommie', 'bicycle', not ignoring those swearwords often classed as 'Anglo-Saxon'! The book will speak to anyone who uses a dictionary, 'word people', history lovers, students and parents.

Author Biography

The author was Chief Editor of the OED and worked on the Dictionary for 37 years.
Release date NZ
October 11th, 2016
Author
Pages
384
Audience
  • General (US: Trade)
Publisher
Little, Brown Book Group
Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Imprint
Little, Brown
Dimensions
154x233x29
ISBN-13
9781408706732
Product ID
24159519

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