Edmund Weiner

Edmund Weiner served as Deputy Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) from 1979 to 2013, making significant contributions to the dictionary's development and modernization during his tenure. Weiner co-authored "The Oxford Guide to English Usage" (1983) with R.W. Burchfield and played a key role in the computerization of the OED during the 1980s. His expertise in historical lexicography and corpus linguistics helped shape the dictionary's transition from print to digital formats. Working alongside John Simpson, Weiner helped oversee the integration of new words and meanings into the OED while maintaining its high scholarly standards. He contributed to the development of the dictionary's methodology for tracking language change and documenting contemporary English usage. Weiner's academic background includes degrees from Oxford University, where he later taught and conducted research in English language and literature. His work on the history of the English language and lexicography has influenced contemporary approaches to dictionary-making and linguistic scholarship.

Readers mainly discuss Weiner's "Oxford Guide to English Usage," with limited reviews available due to his academic/editorial focus. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of usage rules and variations - Practical organization by topic - Inclusion of both British and American English differences - Balance between prescriptive rules and descriptive observations What readers disliked: - Some found the writing style dry - Limited coverage of contemporary usage issues - Organization makes quick reference challenging - Print size in some editions criticized as too small Review Data: Amazon: 4.1/5 (37 reviews) Goodreads: 3.9/5 (42 ratings, 3 written reviews) One academic librarian noted: "More accessible than Fowler's but retains scholarly rigor." A language teacher wrote: "The section on preposition usage saves me hours of explanation." Most criticism focused on format rather than content. As one reviewer stated: "Solid information buried in a cumbersome layout."

The Ring of Words: Tolkien and the Oxford English Dictionary (with Peter Gilliver and Jeremy Marshall) - A detailed examination of J.R.R. Tolkien's time as an assistant on the Oxford English Dictionary and how this work influenced his fiction writing.

The Oxford Guide to English Usage (with R.W. Burchfield) - A comprehensive reference work addressing common questions about English grammar, punctuation, and proper usage.

Samuel Johnson Created the Dictionary of the English Language in 1755, establishing many conventions of English lexicography. His work laid the foundation for modern dictionary-making and showcased detailed etymology and quotation use.

Henry Watson Fowler Authored "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage" which set standards for English usage guidance in the 20th century. His work combines detailed linguistic analysis with practical advice on grammar and style.

Robert Burchfield Served as Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary and wrote extensively on English language history and usage. His work "The English Language" examines the development of English from a historical and global perspective.

David Crystal Produces comprehensive works on English linguistics and language development, including "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language." His research covers historical linguistics, phonetics, and the evolution of English usage.

Sidney Landau Wrote "Dictionaries: The Art and Craft of Lexicography" which explains dictionary-making methodology and history. His work provides insight into lexicographical practices and the development of reference works.