Afternoon talk on "The Dictionary Wars" by Peter Martin

Peter Martin, author of ‘The Dictionary Wars’ will speak about how it came about that Noah Webster became engaged in considerable conflict (during the early years of American nationhood) regarding his dictionaries and the English (American) language.  His proposed reforms of the English language subjected him to harsh criticism, even ridicule, throughout his life.  Peter Martin will talk about this and how it affected the American language – and why, perhaps surprisingly, Webster is still something of an icon in American culture – despite the disappearance of much of his work.

This talk will start at 3 pm and will be followed by tea and cake (included in the ticket price) of £16.58 (or £11.25 to ESU members).