The Evolution of English Lexicography

The Evolution of English Lexicography, published in 1900 by Sir James Augustus Henry Murray, is a scholarly exploration of the history and development of English dictionaries. This lecture traces the transformation of lexicographic practices from early glossaries to comprehensive dictionaries, highlighting significant milestones such as Samuel Johnson's 18th-century work. Murray examines the impact of historical events, including the Norman Conquest, on the English language and its lexicography, emphasizing the role of dictionaries in understanding and preserving the language over time.