Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages by Ammon Shea (from 2018)

Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages by Ammon Shea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why I picked this book up: It was on display at the library where I work with a group of books relating to Lexicography. I may or may not have “borrowed” this without checking it out.
What I liked about it: This delightful little book jumped off the shelf at me at work one day. Unlike the OED, which itself is almost 22,000 pages - this book is slightly over 200. There are, give or take, 26 chapters - one for each letter of the alphabet. Each chapter begins with several pages that tell us more about the author and this project and end with a sprinkling of words and definitions - most of which you probably never knew. I particularly enjoyed the intro sections to the letters “F” and “G” because I am fascinated with why people read certain books, in certain formats, and how they came to love reading in the first place. In “F” the author addresses the question “why read the print version, why not read it online?” Why indeed. And “G” describes his search for his lectory (a place for reading), and how he came to rest in the basement of a college library.
Overall impression: Loved this book, would consider owning it. Addressed my fascination with why people read in general, and why the read certain things. 4/5.00
Around the Year in 52 Books prompt: A book written in first person perspective
Popsugar prompt: A book that involves a bookstore or library


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