The Dictionary People
The unsung heroes who created the Oxford English Dictionary
by Sarah Ogilvie
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Pub Date 7 Sep 2023 | Archive Date 7 Oct 2023
Random House UK, Vintage | Chatto & Windus
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Description
**LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024**
'Enthralling and exuberant ... Here is a wonder-book for word-lovers' Jeanette Winterson
‘A lively, entertaining, and illuminating read. I loved it’ Susie Dent
What do three murderers, Karl Marx's daughter and a vegetarian vicar have in common?
They all helped create the Oxford English Dictionary.
The Oxford English Dictionary has long been associated with elite institutions and Victorian men. But the Dictionary didn't just belong to the experts; it relied on contributions from members of the public. By 1928, its 414,825 entries had been crowdsourced from a surprising and diverse group of people, from astronomers to murderers, naturists, pornographers, suffragists and queer couples.
Lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie dives deep into previously untapped archives to tell a people's history of the OED. Here, she reveals, for the first time, the full story of the making of one of the most famous books in the world - and celebrates the extraordinary efforts of the Dictionary People.
** A Financial Times, TLS and Daunt Books Book of the Year 2023 **
'Utterly fascinating, entertaining, astonishing and as clever as a box of monkeys ... I completely love it' Joanna Lumley
'Full marks to Sarah Ogilvie... guaranteed to grab those of us obsessed with books, language and mystery' Financial Times
'[An] astonishing book' Sunday Times
'Touching ... The oddities [of language] enliven the book' Observer *Book of the Day*
'[An] affectionate and accomplished book' TLS
'Engaging' Spectator
'Marvellous, witty and wholly original' Alan Rusbridger
'Glorious and surprising' Richard Ovenden, Bodley's Librarian and author of Burning the Books
‘A fascinating and delightful exploration of the Victorian world … Wonderful’ Nicola Shulman, TLS Podcast
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781784744939 |
| PRICE | £25.00 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 368 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Anita W, Reviewer
The Dictionary People is an absolute delight. I was intrigued from start to finish and have learned so much from a book packed with detail. Sarah Ogilvie has taken such a unique slant; identifying individuals who made contributions to the OED when it was first compiled. I had a vague understanding of how it was put together, but this book explains that it was an immense Rita’s k which took years. It’s fascinating and the more so because as beneficiaries generations on, we all take a dictionary for granted.
I’ve always loved words and a treasured Christmas present some 60 odd years ago was a copy of the pocket OED…which I still have. I spent hours reading words, with one leading to another and Sarah Ogilvie’’s book is rewarding in a similar way. After the introduction, it’s set out alphabetically with each letter dedicated to a theme and person. It’s an eclectic mix of individuals from all walks of life and social backgrounds. I really can’t rave enough about this book and on publication, it’ll be on my Christmas present list. Fascinating, compelling and true genius. Love it.
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