Written in a style that is accessible and to the non-specialist, this book presents the findings of the Survey of English Dialects at Sheffield University. An introductory essay sets the work in context, both historically and linguistically. The 90 maps are divided into 3 groups, lexical (the largest section), phonological, and grammatical. Detailed commentaries provide clear and accessible information on the linguistic, historical and cultural significance of words. Indexes aid the reader in identifying technical linguistic terms, and help locate information.
14 years ago I looked at this book in an English bookshop in Stockholm. I don't know why I didn't buy it then but often thought of it later. Recently, I had a brainwave, guessed the title and managed to find and order it on Amazon. Looking at the maps, I'm trying to remember what I and my Father used to say for certain words as a child. The local words all seem plausible but those further afield seem downright bizarre and I feel compelled now to show the book to my friends in the North, the South, the Easy and West and ask them, "Did you really say that?".