The shorter Oxford English dictionary on historical principles

The "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles" is not written by William R. Trumble, Lesley Brown, Bill Trumble, or Angus Stevenson. The actual authors and editors of the book are different individuals, primarily associated with the Oxford University Press.

Key Authors and Editors

• William Little: The initial editor who worked on the book from 1902 until his death in 1922. He completed the sections from "A" to "T" and "V" before his passing.
• H. W. Fowler: Completed the sections "U", "X", "Y", and "Z" after William Little's death.
• Jessie Coulson (Mrs. E. A. Coulson): Completed the section "W" under the direction of C. T. Onions.
• C. T. Onions: Succeeded William Little as the editor and ensured the completion of the dictionary, aiming to present a condensed version of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

Publication Details

• First Edition: Published in February 1933, with subsequent reprints in March and April of that year, and again in 1934.
• Format: Initially published in two volumes, later condensed into one volume.

Key Themes and Plot Summary

The "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles" is an abridged version of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). It aims to present a condensed yet comprehensive collection of English words, their meanings, and historical usage. The dictionary covers a wide range of words, including their etymology, usage in literature, and historical context.

Critical Reception

The critical reception of the dictionary is generally positive due to its meticulous compilation and historical accuracy. It is recognized for its ability to provide a quintessential summary of the vast materials found in the complete OED, making it a valuable resource for scholars and linguists.

Additional Notes

• Publication Date: The first edition was published in 1933, but there have been subsequent editions and revisions over the years. The book has been digitized and made available through various archives, including the Internet Archive.
• Digital Availability: The book is available in digital form, although some versions may have cut-off text due to tight binding and margin issues.

In summary, the "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles" is a comprehensive dictionary compiled by a team of editors led by William Little, H. W. Fowler, Jessie Coulson, and C. T. Onions. It is an abridged version of the OED, focusing on historical principles and providing a condensed yet detailed collection of English words. The critical reception is positive, highlighting its value as a scholarly resource.