Bollywood, gangsta, big hair
and D'oh
(à la Homer Simpson) are among the 3,000 new words in this latest edition of the renowned dictionary. The two-volume set offers over 33% of the complete Oxford English Dictionary, with over a half million definitions, the same emphasis on etymology and the evolving usage of a word through history. Examples of usage, presented in specially tinted boxes, are taken from great works of literature, period newspapers and political oratory, with sources ranging from Gibbon to S.J. Perelman; there are 83,500 illustrative quotes from 7,000 authors. The new volumes also boast contributions from the United States, India, South Africa and the rest of the English-speaking world. And no need for a magnifying glass—the page design is clean and remarkably easy to read, with the featured words in large, bold print. With the major ad/promo Oxford plans for this title, expect vigorous sales, and for years to come. (Sept. 26)
