This book is a delightful exploration of the fascinating world of lexicography, revealing the intricate process of how dictionaries are made. With sharp wit and irreverence, Kory Stamper takes readers on a journey through the complexities of defining words and the ever-changing nature of language. Through amusing anecdotes and surprising revelations, Word by Word brings to life the quirky individuals and rich history behind the dictionaries we often take for granted. A must-read for anyone who loves words and wants to unravel the secrets of the English language.

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• Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Nonfiction (2017)

Brimming with intelligence and personality, a vastly entertaining account of how dictionaries are made a must read 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 readers grasp and use of the English language."

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