h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

ALL of it? My admiration is unbounded!

I've tried it a few times, enjoyed it, but couldn't continue with it to anywhere near the end.

I've read Anthony Burgess' ( !) shortened version though.

J

Well, to be fair, it was a lengthy reading process. I had to go back and re-read several bits, several times. And when I picked it up recently to re-read the whole thing, I wound up setting it aside again because I wasn't "in the mood" for something so obtuse.

Never read the shortened version, though. I should give it a try!

Thanks for coming around and saying hello, after our little simulposting extravaganza this morning.

So, do you enjoy lexicology and lexicography, as well as grammar and syntax related stuff? Have you read "The Professor and the Madman" and/or "The Meaning of Everything"? They're both fantastic books about the compilation and edition of the OED.

I'm a .

I can certainly recommend 'A Shorter Finnegan's Wake' by Anthony Burgess. Amazon Marketplace have one second-hand copy only, at a ridiculous price. A case of the nearest academic library, I'm afraid.

I'm not in a position to compare it to (American - 'with'?) the original, but I did enjoy it very much.

Sorry, I'm not really a - are lexicology and lexicography Joycean neologisms?

Afraid English is not my field, apart from writing it, but I share your passion for clarity and literacy in grammar and language.

btw, if you consult the Language thread we were both a part of (formally: of which we were both a part !), you'll see that I really do agree with you almost 100%. Excuse the typo in the posting there - I was in a hurry as we had Oh Brother Where Art Thou? coming up on satellite TV.

J

I had noticed that you and I were, for the most part if not almost entirely, in agreement. I'm by no means perfect, and realize that an English degree doesn't make me a professor of language or anything, but I'm definitely big on literacy.

Lexicology is a branch of linguistics, and lexicography can be one of two things: practical lexicography refers to the writing of dictionaries, and theoretical lexicography involves the study of semantic relationships.

I like reading about all of it.

I will defintely try to track down a copy of Burgess's (tee hee) "Shorter..." at one of our trusty local used booksellers. They'll usually track stuff down and order it for me. Thanks so much for recommending it!

My pleasure, psychocandy

J