08 Nov Book Review of Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Di…
Review of Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Dictionary by Ammon Shea
As a lifelong word lover and someone who’s been caught lost in the labyrinthine aisles of a bookstore’s reference section, I was ecstatic to get my hands on Unabridged by Ammon Shea. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Shea invites us into an enlightening territory—the ever-evolving world of the English language and the dedicated lexicographers who cultivate its growth like meticulous gardeners, tending to their verbal blooms.
From the very first page, Shea’s conversational tone draws you in. The way the dedication and chapter titles are paired with their definitions sets the stage for an exploration that feels both educational and conversational. I couldn’t help but smile when I stumbled upon fun tidbits like how in 1961, the imposing, four-inch-thick Webster’s Dictionary weighed a staggering 13.5 lbs and sold for the modern equivalent of $500. It makes you appreciate the weight of not just the book but the language itself—and just how much it has transformed over the years!
Shea’s thoughtful observations are interwoven with amusing anecdotes, keeping the narrative playful yet insightful. For instance, his amusing take on defining the slang term “Dutch oven” had me roaring with laughter. This blend of humor with academic insight is a testament to Shea’s knack for making this topic accessible and enjoyable.
Throughout the chapters, I found myself especially intrigued by Shea’s exploration of how social movements and current events shape language. The statistic that the most frequent lookups on Merriam-Webster’s website included terms like fascism, coup, and gaslighting after the 2020 presidential election gives weight to the idea that language is not stagnant; it’s a living entity reflecting our societal climate.
One of the most potent quotes in Unabridged was from Richard Chenevix: “Many a single word also is itself a concentrated poem, having stores of poetical thought and imagery laid up in it.” This insight resonated with me deeply; it highlights the beauty and power each word possesses, often laden with meanings far beyond the mere definition.
Shea is also candid about the evolving nature of dictionaries themselves. For instance, when Philip Babcock Gove took the helm at Merriam-Webster, the inclusion of ‘slang’ words like "ain’t" sparked outrage among traditionalists. This historical context tied to our contemporary struggles with language lends the book a relevancy that transcends mere lexicography—it’s a reflection on culture and identity. It’s fascinating to consider how many people today still view dictionaries as definitive judges of language, unaware that they are, in fact, a mirror reflecting everyday usage.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Unabridged to anyone who has ever found themselves captivated by words, their definitions, and the collective history they carry. Whether you’re a logophile or just curious about the intricacies of language, this book serves as both an insightful guide and a joyful romp through the lexicons that color our lives. Ammon Shea ultimately encourages us to embrace the fluidity of language and its wondrous complexities in a way that left me ever more appreciative of the joyful chaos that is modern English.
Happy reading, fellow word nerds! 📚💖
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