Summary: A new book reveals the hidden contributors behind the iconic Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting the diverse and unconventional individuals who played a crucial role in its creation.

A Democratic Reference Book

In 1857, the founders of the Oxford English Dictionary proposed a reference book that described rather than prescribed English. They sought out volunteers to track the meaning of every word in the language across time and received overwhelming submissions from a diverse group of contributors.

Unveiling the Unknown Volunteers

For years, the majority of the OED's volunteers remained unknown and their contributions undocumented. However, Sarah Ogilvie, a former editor at the Dictionary, embarked on a mission to uncover the identities of these hidden contributors. After eight years of research, she compiled their stories in her book, 'The Dictionary People.'

A Motley Crew of Contributors

Ogilvie's book introduces readers to the diverse group of individuals who played a crucial role in creating the OED. From inventors and pioneers to women and autodidacts, these contributors were united by their desire to be associated with the prestigious Oxford University and a project of national importance.

James Murray: The Protagonist

The book sheds light on James Murray, the Dictionary's longest-serving editor, who emerges as the protagonist of the story. Murray, a self-taught philologist from a humble background, dedicated himself to the OED for 36 years. Despite facing exclusion from the academic establishment, he tirelessly worked on the dictionary, with support from his wife and children.

The Triumph of Inclusivity

Murray's vision for the OED was inclusive, rejecting the pressure to only include quotations from 'great authors' and exclude slang or foreign words. He believed that all contributions had value and all aspects of the English language deserved a place in the dictionary. His commitment to inclusivity continues to shape the OED's evolution.

The Ongoing Legacy

Since its completion, the OED has continued to evolve with new editions and updates. The current third edition, still in progress, follows Murray's editing process. The book concludes by highlighting a modern-day contributor, Chris Collier, who sent in 100,000 slips and played a crucial role in expanding the dictionary's content.

Tags: Oxford English Dictionary, volunteers, linguistics, James Murray, language, inclusivity