The Dictionary People

“As is true of so many of the most important things in an everyday life (the earth, for instance) we take for granted, we never pause a moment to wonder: How did this get made? The Oxford English Dictionary is, especially in my life, such a wonder. In The Dictionary People—a lively, funny book, full of eccentrics—Sarah Ogilvie finds all the magical characters who contributed to making the Dictionary. This is an exquisitely written book.” —Jamaica Kincaid   “Enthralling and exuberant, Sarah Ogilvie tells the surprising story of the making of the OED. Philologists, fantasists, crackpots, criminals, career spinsters, suffragists, and Australians: here is a wonder book for word lovers.” —Jeanette Winterson “While bringing to life a host of passionate volunteers, Ogilvie also charts decades of social, economic, and cultural change, mapped by words. A fresh, vibrant, entertaining history.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “These stories about the ensemble of, for the most part, unfancy but always unexpected Oxford English ‘dictionary people’ are a perfect dose of hope. The pages come alive with humor, surprise, passion, charm, empathy, intrigue, humanness, and love. I’d prescribe it for any reader who is working against the odds to bring vision into reality.” —Anna Deavere Smith   “[A] charming debut. Ogilvie not only introduces readers to a fascinating cross-section of Victorian society, but notes the groundbreaking nature of the OED project. The whimsical narrative is also educational, providing extensive insight into the process used to trace the origins of words. Readers will be enthralled.” —Publishers Weekly (starred and boxed)   “Ogilvie’s enthusiasm for the [Oxford English Dictionary] Readers . . . is infectious, and this book is a delight to read.” —Laurie Unger Skinner, Booklist