The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary By Simon Winchester
This book sounds like a dry and dusty read... until you notice the twinkle in the eye of the bearded gentleman on the front cover. Simon Winchester some might know from “The Surgeon of Crowthorne” in which he describes the bizarre and troubled life of one of the contributors to the dictionary. The lives of the senior editors and the struggles the dictionary went through over fifty years of development make equally interesting reading. Winchester also provides a quick overview of the development of the English language with its characteristic layers of adoption and borrowings.
I learned a great deal, though I admit to a special interest having married a dictionary editor! For instance I was not aware that one JRR Tolkien was in fact one of the editors for the first edition. I found the writing a little uneven. Winchester is not above the use of arcane language... “gallimaufry” appears more than once. He is at his best when recounting the personal trials and joys of the many intriguing people involved in the project.
The OED was a groundbreaking creation of epic dimensions: this book engagingly explores the people, politics and perils of the project. It would suit upper Middle School students and above who are interested in human achievements and knowledge.
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