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Word by Word

The Secret Life of Dictionaries

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Word by Word

Written by: Kory Stamper
Narrated by: Kory Stamper
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About this listen

Brimming with intelligence and personality, a vastly entertaining account of how dictionaries are made - a must-listen for word mavens.

While most of us might take dictionaries for granted, the process of writing them is in fact as lively and dynamic as language itself. With sharp wit and irreverence, Kory Stamper cracks open the complex, obsessive world of lexicography - from the agonizing decisions about what and how to define to the knotty questions of usage in an ever-changing language. She explains why small words are the most difficult to define (have you ever tried to define is?), how it can take nine months to define a single word, and how our biases about language and pronunciation can have tremendous social influence. Throughout, Stamper brings to life the hallowed halls (and highly idiosyncratic cubicles) of Merriam-Webster, a world inhabited by quirky, erudite individuals who quietly shape the way we communicate. A sure delight for all lovers of words, Word by Word might also quietly improve listeners' grasp and use of the English language.

©2017 Kory Stamper (P)2017 Random House Audio Biographies & Memoirs Education & Learning Social Sciences

What the critics say

"[M]arvelous insight into the messy world behind the tidy definitions on the page...." (Bridget Thoreson, Booklist)

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Excellent Book All Around

This book is one of the best I’ve ever read. It’s tremendously informative and yet personal. I expected a dry, scientific overview of the English language and some of the nuances that go into defining words, and I ended up delighted by the humour and personality that shone through.

The narration is brilliant. I listened to this book while walking my dog and found myself extending our journeys so I wouldn’t have to stop. I will definitely re-read it and it’s in the top 3 books I’ve ever read.

As a fan of non-fiction, this book exceeded all expectations and the narration was the cherry on top.

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