Routledge - The Authoritative Word: History of Dictionaries

Discover how dictionaries functioned as much more than simple reference tools in this study by Linda C. Mitchell. Published by Routledge, The Authoritative Word explores the cultural history of English dictionaries from 1610 to 1800. This book examines how these texts encode social history rather than just relaying linguistic information. It provides a look into the early modern period to show how lexicographers built their authority and shaped the way language was understood. By studying the relationship between authority and the creators of dictionaries, readers gain a new perspective on how these books reflect the people and society of their time. This is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of literature, language, and the social structures of early modern England.