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The Meaning of Everything  By  cover art

The Meaning of Everything

By: Simon Winchester
Narrated by: Simon Winchester
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Publisher's summary

The creation of the Oxford English Dictionary was a remarkable achievement, and a story of determination, hard work and inspired research. Simon Winchester, with his characteristic gift for bringing history to life, charts the fascinating life of the OED leading up to the appointment of the first editor, James Murray, in 1879, through to the OED's triumphant publication in 1928 and beyond.

The Meaning of Everything is a must for anyone with an interest in language and words.

©2003 Simon Winchester (P)2004 W F Howes Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners love about The Meaning of Everything

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  • Alan Coady
  • 05-06-15

Biography of a dictionary

Of those not already fascinated by philology and lexicography, few could believe how intriguing this story is: a tale of determined and often difficult and eccentric people. Winchester's account of this massive linguistic achievement is a work of fine scholarship but written with a lovely light touch which sparkles in his own narration.

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5 people found this helpful

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  • Chris
  • 04-06-12

Fascinating, engagingly-narrated story of OED

Sometimes—well quite often actually—when the author also narrates, it's a bit disappointing. No so here. Simon Winchester's delivery of his own work is magisterial. Which matches the story of the Oxford English Dictionary perfectly.

A great audiobook, I've listened to it over and over.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 06-22-20

Amazingly detailed

A truly wonderful book, written and read with a clear passion.
Random background music keeps playing for 5 second periods at odd points in the recording. Other than that..... wonderful.

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  • JofusPocus
  • 02-17-21

Excellent writing, beautiful narration

A really fascinating insight into the OED. Simon Winchester's narration is spot on. Highly recommended.

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  • Pippin
  • 12-06-19

Essential read for lovers of the English language

This is yet another engaging, entertaining and educational book by the wonderful Simon Winchester. I have read his books in the past but decided to try this one on Audible and it was great - very digestible and enthralling, the stories of the editors fleshed-out with sympathy and gentle amusement. Loved it.

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  • Alex
  • 09-12-16

A wonderous history of our language

Anyone with an interest in language and its development will love this book. The story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary comes alive as the author describes the characters that created the dictionary and the difficulties they faced in its production. The book is a reflection on the nature of language, and the idiosyncrasies of English. Winchester is a masterful narrator.

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  • Ridesabikealot
  • 05-24-23

Loved it

An interesting and important story told with heart, respect, humour and intelligence. As always with Simon Winchester…

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  • venice219
  • 01-28-21

Fascinating and most enjoyable

Simon Winchester’s euphonious voice takes you through his thoroughly researched, elegantly written and superbly entertaining narrative. This is the ultimate recounting of the Oxford English Dictionary’s life story. Well worth listening to!

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  • Alison Diskin
  • 01-14-18

Started strong, waned at end

Started with fascinating story telling but started to get repetitive towards end. Ideally could’ve finished 2 hourssooner

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