First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
The story of words, cultures, the OED and John Simpson, a word detective who spent 20 years as chief editor of the world famous dictionary. Read by Nigel Anthony. Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
John Simpson is put in charge of the New Words group, and starts to investigate the world of Rastafarianism. The poet Benjamin Zephaniah teaches him the fine art of 'skanking'. Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
John Simpson visits the USA and Japan for the launch of the Second Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. We learn of the birth of his disabled daughter. Show more
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
It is 1993, and John Simpson is appointed chief editor of the OED. He finds himself in trouble with the British Potato Council for the inclusion of the phrase 'couch potato'. Show more
