Bryson’s Dictionary for Writers and Editors

by: Bill Bryson

Published by: Anchor Books, a division of Random House

Reviewed by Richard Skaff

Bryson’s dictionary consists of an interesting cornucopia of words that might be used by
writers or editors. It ranges from foreign names of famous people and places to
homonyms and words that are frequently misused.

This book is not intrinsically a dictionary or a reference book. It is rather designed to be a witty look at words. It includes spellings, pronunciations, meanings, and etymologies. It is the author’s personal collection that was built up over thirty years and reflects Anglo-American interests and experiences.

The book is allegedly intended to be a prompt and succinct guide to the problems of
English spelling. It is also a constellation of commonly misspelled words laced with interesting and corresponding facts, as well as names and places that the author encountered over the years.

Per example, under “H” you will find the correct spellings of Haas Ernst, an Austrian-born photographer, and Hadid, Zaha, an Iraqi-born British architect. You will also find the difference in spelling between the masculine and feminine of the French word “habitué” (masc) and “habituée” (fem).

This volume is overall entertaining. However, it is filled with useless information that most people aren’t going to utilize. Bryson’s alleged dictionary could make an amusing reading for etymology students or another specific population.

In addition, the title of the book is misleading and the content is disappointing, especially if you purchase it in the hope of finding guidance for your writings.

As a best-selling and very prolific author, Bryson can afford to put together a vanity book like this one that barely scratches the surface of a vast subject, and scantly provides any substantial or helpful information.

Finally, I would recommend this book for anyone who has the time to kill and splurge on reading names of famous people, places, and confusing homonyms.

Armchair Interviews says: Don’t let the title mislead you to think this might be great help with your writing