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English
Oxford University Press
23 October 2009
The Ring of Words describes the powerful and unique relationship between Tolkien's creative use of the English language in his fictional works and his professional work on the Oxford English Dictionary. Tolkien's earliest employment was as an assistant on the staff of the OED, and he later said that he had 'learned more in those two years than in any other equal period of [his] life'. Here three authors, themselves senior editors of the OED, engage directly with Tolkien's language and his fictional world. Two discursive sections explore Tolkien as a lexicographer and his creativity as a word user and creator. The main section of the book is made up of individual 'word studies' which explore over 100 words found in Tolkien's fiction in terms of their origins, development, and significance in his fictional world. Words such as 'hobbit', 'attercop', 'precious', 'Smeagol', and 'waybread' are explored in fascinating detail. The Ring of Words offers a new and unexplored angle on the creative world of one of our most famous and well-loved writers, presenting new archive material for the first time.
By:   , , , ,
Imprint:   Oxford University Press
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 196mm,  Width: 129mm,  Spine: 14mm
Weight:   273g
ISBN:   9780199568369
ISBN 10:   0199568367
Pages:   256
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Reviews for The Ring of Words: Tolkien and the Oxford English Dictionary

`Review from previous edition a valuable contribution to study of the OED itself....The Ring of Words successfully reunites the academic and creative aspects of Tolkien.' John Garth, TLS `The Ring of Words is one of the most captivating works I ... have come upon in the last decade dealing with J. R. R. Tolkien or any aspect of his work.' Philip Kaveny, MBR Bookwatch `Here is God's plenty, but in a small package.' James Vanden Bosch, The Lion and the Unicorn


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