It takes true brilliance to lift the arid tellings of lexicographic fussing into the readable realm of the thriller and the bodice-ripper .David Skinner has done precisely this, taking a fine story and honing it to popular perfection. Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman The Story of Ain t by David Skinner is the captivating true chronicle of the creation of Merriam Webster s Third New International Dictionary in 1961, the most controversial dictionary ever published. Skinner s ...
Read More
It takes true brilliance to lift the arid tellings of lexicographic fussing into the readable realm of the thriller and the bodice-ripper .David Skinner has done precisely this, taking a fine story and honing it to popular perfection. Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman The Story of Ain t by David Skinner is the captivating true chronicle of the creation of Merriam Webster s Third New International Dictionary in 1961, the most controversial dictionary ever published. Skinner s surprising and engaging, erudite and witty account will enthrall fans of Winchester s The Professor and the Madman and The Meaning of Everything, and The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs, as it explores a culture in transition and the brilliant, colorful individuals behind it. The Story of Ain t is a smart, often outrageous, and altogether remarkable tale of how egos, infighting, and controversy shaped one of America s most authoritative language texts, sparking a furious language debate that the late, great author David Foster Wallace (Infinite Jest) once called the Fort Sumter of the Usage Wars. "
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Former Library book. All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
As New. Book As new unblemished pristine copy. "Skinner does a fine job detailing the controversary that greeted Webster's Third, but he is even stronger when describing the internal politics at Merriam and the mechanics of revising a dictionary."-Wall Street Journal.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
