Publication of Oxford English Dictionary Volume A-Ant
The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary, covering words from A to Ant, was published in Oxford, England. This monumental work was initiated under the editorship of James Murray in 1879 as a response to the need for a comprehensive and systematic reference for the English language. The publication marked the beginning of a significant achievement in lexicography, aiming to document the evolution of English words, their definitions, and usage. The dictionary would go on to become a crucial resource for scholars and authors worldwide, showcasing the diversity and richness of the English lexicon. The launch highlighted the collaboration of numerous contributors who provided insights into the language's historical development.
First volume includes entries A to Ant.
Initiated by the Philological Society in 1857.
James Murray was the chief editor and driving force.
Set new standards for lexicography worldwide.
What Happened?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a critical reference work that has shaped the study of the English language. The journey toward its first publication began in 1857 with the foundation of the Philological Society, which aimed to rectify the inadequacies in existing English dictionaries. They called for a comprehensive dictionary that thoroughly documented the language's vocabulary, usage, and historical context. In response to this initiative, James Murray was appointed in 1879 to oversee the monumental project, which would take decades to complete.
The first volume, covering entries from A to Ant, was launched in a ceremony in Oxford. It featured innovative methodologies for lexicography, including collecting citations from a myriad of sources. These citations provided context to each word, illustrating usage over time and helping to convey nuances unavailable in previous dictionaries. This approach marked a significant advancement in dictionary-making and set a standard for subsequent lexical projects.
The publication of this volume was celebrated not just for its content but also for its academic rigor. It required contributions from volunteer readers and scholars from various universities, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the endeavor. The OED's publication had lasting implications for linguistics, literature, and education by establishing a definitive resource for authors, educators, and students. The dictionary became an authoritative guide that would evolve with the language, with subsequent volumes and updates continuing to reflect changes in usage and meaning throughout the years.
Why Does it Matter?
The publication of the Oxford English Dictionary's first volume is noteworthy for its pioneering influence on English lexicography. It set a new standard for dictionaries globally, emphasizing comprehensive entries supported by historical context. This resource not only enriched literary and academic fields but also fostered a greater appreciation for the complexities of the English language, encouraging more formal studies in linguistics and etymology.