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Hail to the Harmless Drudge

BBC Radio 4
on BBC Radio 4 FM

2/3. A talk celebrating the 250th anniversary of Samuel Johnson's dictionary, which defined, reported on and shaped the English language with great intelligence, verve and wit, while also giving the meaning of "lexicographer" as "a harmless drudge". Alan Downie, professor of English at Goldsmiths College, talks about the pleasures of rummaging in a "word-hoard". Repeated from Sunday

Contributors

Speaker:
Alan Downie
Source: Radio Times

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