The evolution of English lexicography

"The Evolution of English Lexicography" by James Augustus Henry Murray is a scholarly lecture delivered in the late 19th century, specifically in 1900. This work falls under the category of a scientific publication that explores the history and development of English dictionaries. It discusses the origins, evolution, and significance of lexicographic practices, tracing them back through centuries as they transformed from glossaries to more exhaustive dictionaries. In this lecture, Murray elaborates on the beginnings of English lexicography, highlighting the importance of glosses—annotations that define difficult terms in Latin texts—dating back to the early medieval period. He examines key milestones in the development of English dictionaries, including the shift from primarily Latin-English works to those that incorporated English words as equivalencies, culminating in essential works like Samuel Johnson's dictionary in the 18th century. Murray discusses the influence of historical events, such as the Norman Conquest, on the evolution of the English language and the production of lexicographic texts, ultimately reflecting on how dictionaries have come to serve as crucial resources for understanding and preserving the language over time.