No book had more influence on twentieth-century attitudes to the English language in Britain than Henry Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage. It rapidly became the standard work of reference for the correct use of English in terms of choice of words, grammar, and style. Much loved for his firm opinions, passion, and dry humour, Fowler has stood the test of time and is still considered the best arbiter of good practice. Now one of today's leading experts on the language, David Crystal, has reassessed Fowler's contribution in this fascinating new edition. Crystal goes beyond the popular mythology surrounding Fowler's reputation to retrace his method and practice and arrive at a fresh evaluation of his place in the history of linguistic thought. With a wealth of entertaining examples he looks at Fowler's stated principles and the tensions between his prescriptive and descriptive temperaments. He reaches some surprising conclusions and shows that the Dictionary does a great deal more than make normative recommendations and express private opinions. In addition he offers a modern perspective in notes on some 300 entries, in which he shows how English has changed since the 1920s, including the pronunciation of certain words.
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The classic fist edition with an acute new introduction. (New York Times Book Review)
It is a volume that everyone who aspires to a better command of English should possess and consult. (New York Times Book Review)
It is a volume that everyone who aspires to a better command of English should possess and consult. (New York Times Book Review)
About the Author
David Crystal is honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Bangor, and the author of many books on language in general and the English language in particular, such as The Stories of English (2004), The Fight for English (2006), and Think on My Words: Exploring Shakespeare's Language (2008). His previous lexicographical work includes A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics (6th edn, 2008) and Johnson's Dictionary: an Anthology (2005).
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By paulk
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I like the Gowers version, Burchfield with reservations, but I do recommend this Classic First Edition Fowler for those who want the original. Having struggled for many years with the poorly printed, but cheap, Wordsworth Reference paperback edition, I am now delighted to have this well-printed, well-made, and attractive hardback - at a reasonable price. Congratulations to Oxford and David Crystal!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By TickTock
Format:Hardcover
This book is so well established that it hardly needs any more reviews. When, in 1952 at the age of 32, I started a long career as a writer, H.W. Fowler's work was essential reading and gave me instantly the start that I needed. Even all these years later, it is a great comfort to have it to hand for reference. In my opinion, there is no better book on this subject.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Peppered with sardonic humour, this slightly disorganised first edition remains the ultimate authority on grammar, syntax, punctuation and vocabulary. Fowler cautions against pedantry and the ossification of language, but reminds the reader on every page of the bear traps that exist for the unwary writer who, perhaps through comprehensive schooling, believes that 'getting your meaning across' is more important than precision. State schools long ago turned their backs on good English; Fowler is there to tug us back gently to the path of clarity.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Professor David Crystal is the bearded God of language, particularly the English language. With over 100 books to his name, he has been prolific both in writing and editing. Crystal has produced series of encyclopedias with Cambridge University Press and Penguin and is the author of the brilliant Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language.
Recently, he has seen the publication of the classic first edition of Henry Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage. Fowler's Dictionary, as it is widely called, was first published in 1926. It was and still is one of the most influential and authoritative books on modern English usage. Sir Ernest Gowers later edited the 1965 version. In 1996 an Oxford English Dictionary editor published the 3rd edition with considerable input of his own on entries. And now for the first time since its first appearance, Fowler's influential Dictionary is published true to the original, introduced by David Crystal. Crystal provides an invaluable introduction to the Dictionary as well as notes on 300 entries where Fowler's suggestions on usage contradict the actual practice prevalent then or now.
The Dictionary on the whole speaks of the extraordinary skill and expertise of Fowler as a lexicographer and linguist. A thing about the Dictionary that endears most perhaps is the author's genuine enthusiasm. Whilst a dictionary, it is expected, should expose the actual usage in a formal and objective manner, it is nonetheless a pleasure to read through the entries which reveal the author's strong feelings. At times Fowler can be even offensive, like in "The above writers are bogy-haunted creatures..." at Split Infinitive.... Read more ›
Recently, he has seen the publication of the classic first edition of Henry Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage. Fowler's Dictionary, as it is widely called, was first published in 1926. It was and still is one of the most influential and authoritative books on modern English usage. Sir Ernest Gowers later edited the 1965 version. In 1996 an Oxford English Dictionary editor published the 3rd edition with considerable input of his own on entries. And now for the first time since its first appearance, Fowler's influential Dictionary is published true to the original, introduced by David Crystal. Crystal provides an invaluable introduction to the Dictionary as well as notes on 300 entries where Fowler's suggestions on usage contradict the actual practice prevalent then or now.
The Dictionary on the whole speaks of the extraordinary skill and expertise of Fowler as a lexicographer and linguist. A thing about the Dictionary that endears most perhaps is the author's genuine enthusiasm. Whilst a dictionary, it is expected, should expose the actual usage in a formal and objective manner, it is nonetheless a pleasure to read through the entries which reveal the author's strong feelings. At times Fowler can be even offensive, like in "The above writers are bogy-haunted creatures..." at Split Infinitive.... Read more ›
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