The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary - Simon Winchester

The Meaning of Everything by Simon Winchester is a fascinating book about the original concept and the eventual execution of the Oxford English Dictionary. It is written by Simon Winchester and is, indeed, a fascinating book. However, Winchester makes some errors that do tend to spoil what would otherwise have been a exceptionally good read. For example, he commits the sin of over-researching, and, having done too much research, insists on cramming ...
...example, it transpired that the official dinner marking the launch of the completed Oxford English Dictionary took place on Derby Day, and also on the same day that Edward, Prince of Wales, was holding a party. Winchester goes on to describe some of the newsworthy events of that day, plus the Derby Day, the dance and the dinner (even to listing the menu and the extensive wine list!) with somewhat tedious detail. All rather superfluous. The minutia ...

Martinscholes 05.11.2005 · Read full review
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Review of The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary - Simon Winchester