The Word Detective

A Life in Words: From Serendipity to Selfie

By:

John Simpson

Format:

Paperback / softback

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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

July 6th, 2017

Author

John Simpson

Pages

384

Audience

General (US: Trade)

Dimensions

128x198x26

ISBN-13

9780349141008

Product ID

25610596

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