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The Dictionary People

LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024

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Brought to you by Penguin.

**LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024**

What do three murderers, Karl Marx's daughter and a vegetarian vicar have in common?
They all helped create the Oxford English Dictionary.

The Oxford English Dictionary has long been associated with elite institutions and Victorian men. But the Dictionary didn't just belong to the experts; it relied on contributions from members of the public. By 1928, its 414,825 entries had been crowdsourced from a surprising and diverse group of people, from astronomers to murderers, naturists, pornographers, suffragists and queer couples.

Lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie dives deep into previously untapped archives to tell a people's history of the OED. Here, she reveals, for the first time, the full story of the making of one of the most famous books in the world - and celebrates the extraordinary efforts of the Dictionary People.


‘Unmissable’ Stephen Fry
'A delight' Katherine Rundell
‘Illuminating’ Susie Dent
'Brilliant' Philippa Perry
'Enthralling' Jeanette Winterson
'An astonishing book' Sunday Times

** A Financial Times, TLS and Daunt Books Book of the Year **

©2023 Sarah Ogilvie (P)2023 Penguin Audio

 Historical Linguistics Social Sciences

Critic reviews

Marvellous… An unmissable, wonderful achievement (Stephen Fry)
Proof that not only do our words have extraordinary lives, but so do the people who have documented them for us. A lively, entertaining, and illuminating read. I loved it (Susie Dent)
Brilliant (Philippa Perry)
Utterly fascinating, entertaining, astonishing and as clever as a box of monkeys... I am bowled over by Sarah Ogilvie's book and every home should have a copy. I completely love it
Astonishing
Who knew such mysteries lay behind the Oxford English Dictionary? This is a fascinating, unique and original book which uncovers the people behind the words. A jaw-dropping cross-section of society are revealed for the first time in all their complexity
Fascinating
Exquisitely written ... A lively, funny book full of eccentrics
The Dictionary People is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in dictionaries, social history or just people. Sarah Ogilvie has found a great subject and done it justice
Enthralling and exuberant, Sarah Ogilvie tells the surprising story of the making of the OED. Philologists, fantasists, crackpots, criminals, career spinsters, suffragists, and Australians: here is a wonder-book for word-lovers
All stars
Most relevant
I enjoyed some chapters more than others.
Overall a fascinating story- will be getting a paperback copy when available.

Astonishing and entertaining

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