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The Word Detective : A Life in Words: From Serendipity to Selfie - John Simpson

The Word Detective

A Life in Words: From Serendipity to Selfie

By: John Simpson

eBook | 13 October 2016

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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.

Industry Reviews
This elegantly crafted volume will surely provide greater entertainment than a few more famous memoirists this autumn
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You Can Find This eBook In

Non-FictionLanguage & LinguisticsReference, Dictionaries & GuidesLanguage History & General WorksLinguisticsHistorical & Comparative LinguisticsComedy & HumourBiographies & True Stories Biographies

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