The Literature Network - JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY: Dr Johnson's world in just 42,773 words; Dr Samuel Johnson's dictionary is 250 years old. Chief Feature Writer Paul Groves reflects on what remains a most inspirational book The first edition was a cumbersome 2,300-page v

JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY: Dr Johnson's world in just 42,773 words; Dr Samuel Johnson's dictionary is 250 years old. Chief Feature Writer Paul Groves reflects on what remains a most inspirational book The first edition was a cumbersome 2,300-page v

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From: The Birmingham Post (England)
Date: 20050409
Author:

Byline: Paul Groves

Call me a boobie or a blockhead, but I can still vividly remember the first time I gleefully ripped open the wrapping paper to reveal the thick, heavy dictionary.

I may come across as something of a fopdoodle, but I can even recall the first word I looked up.

It was ``voracious''.

My old headteacher had used the word when talking to my parents a few days earlier about my performance in class and as they seemed pleased with me and my progress I did not want to upset things by asking what voracious meant and showing my ignorance.

I was very ...

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JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY: Dr Johnson's world in just 42,773 words; Dr Samuel Johnson's dictionary is 250 years old. Chief Feature Writer Paul Groves reflects on what remains a most inspirational book The first edition was a cumbersome 2,300-page v

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