This book is an accessible introduction to lexicography – the study of dictionaries. Dictionaries are used at home and at school, cited in law courts, sermons and parliament, and referred to by crossword addicts and Scrabble players alike. Lexicography provides a detailed overview of the history, types and content of these essential references. Howard Jackson analyzes a wide range of dictionaries, from those for native speakers to thematic dictionaries and those on CD-ROM, to reveal the ways in which dictionaries fulfil their dual function of describing the vocabulary of English and providing a useful and accessible reference resource. Beginning with an introduction to the terms used in lexicology to describe words and vocabulary, and offering summaries and suggestions for further reading, An Introduction is highly student-friendly. It is ideal for anyone with an interest in the development and use of dictionaries.
The first few chapters of the book are very accessible as an introduction to lexicography. It gets less useful towards the end, with the last chapter (about dictionary reviews) only useful strictly to those who might actually write a dictionary review. The materials are also inevitably dated about 18 years after publication. Almost all the dictionaries illustrated have newer editions, and the various parts of the book talking (in very detailed fashion) about CD-ROM versions of dictionaries are not relevant anymore.
This book was the main studying material of the lexicography course that I took in my senior year at university. It is such a rich and informative book; highly recommended for those who are interested in studying dictionaries. In terms of its language, “Lexicography: an introduction” is written in a very smooth easy-to-understand academic English. The overall organization of book sections is very logical and clear. In short, this book is very precious!