The Oxford English DictionaryReading task on P51Do you know who are the writers of early dictionaries?Do you know who are the writers of early dictionaries?James Murray, Samuel Johnson,and Noah Webster.Samuel Johnson (1709-84) Noah Webster James A.H.Murray Read the passage and make notes about Murray’s lifeNote on James Murray’s lifeCountryEducationJobScotlandNo formal education,taught himself while workingWorked in a bank,then in Oxford.Who worked on thedictionaryDate of completionOther informationAt first just James Murray; later his two daughters; finished by others editors after his death 1928First edition took forty-four years to completeNote on James Murray’s lifeMost important taskcompleting the first edition of the OEDIts difficulties:1. worked in a shed in his garden and behind his house2.very cold as it was one metre undergroundNote on James Murray’s lifeMost important task3. no heating; he had to wear a coat and put his feet in a box to keep warm4. no electric light; he worked at night with candlesNote on James Murray’s lifeMost important taskQualities needed:1. perseverance2. accuracy3. carefulness
