This is a book to savour and linger over ... a book that delights and instructs in equal measure. A must for all those who use and love the language. DAWN, Pakistan Responsible for first conceiving the dictionary and then seeing it to publication were an extraordinary collection of scholars, editors and keen volunteers. Winchester brings many of them to life in his book with great warmth and admiration. DAWN, Pakistan with gripping narrative flair, he brings one of the most intriguing of forgotten histories to life The Guardian an absorbing account...an entertaining narrative John Mullan, Evening Standard a fascinating history Andrew Rosenheim, Independent Review the book has charm, eccentricity, and readability Mark Bostridge In his hands, a tortuous process of scholarship becomes a fascinating story Observer (Review) an absorbing and entertaining history...Simon Winchester's captivating book stresses the qualities which made the Oxford English Dictionary the remarkable book that it remains Tom Penn, Times Literary Supplement this is history brought to life. If you love words, this will be the most fascinating book you'll read all year Choice Magazine one of the most illuminating, enjoyable reads Tara Pepper, Newsweek

PROLOGUE; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS; 1. Taking the Measure of it All; 2. The Construction of the Pigeonholes; 3. The General Officer Commanding; 4. Battling the Undertow; 5. Pushing through the Untrodden Forest; 6. So Heavily Goes the Chariot; 7. The Hermit and the Murderer - and Hereward Thimbleby Price; 8. From Take to Turndown - and then, Triumphal Valediction; EPILOGUE; BIBLIOGRAPHY