Sir James A. H. Murray remains probably the best known and the most widely influential lexicographer to have worked in Britain since Samuel Johnson. Editor in Chief of the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, Murray was also a distinguished president of the Philological Society, a significant dialectologist, a notable schoolmaster, and a scholar deeply networked among the leading lights of his time.

Murray died 100 years ago this July. His achievements are all the more remarkable given that his formal education ended when he left village school at the age of fourteen and a half. The anniversary celebrations will explore a range of aspects of his life and work in a public event which is open to all.

This special event has been co-organised by Pembroke Fellow in English Professor Lynda Mugglestone. All are welcome, but please register to attend.

PROGRAMME

5 p.m.  “A Life in Words”, Henry Hitchings (chair):  Welcome and Introduction

5.15   “Last Things First: James Murray and 1915″ (Lynda Mugglestone)

5.35    “James Murray: a Lexicographer and More”  (Peter Gilliver)

5.55     “The Oxford English Dictionary: Murray’s Legacy”  (Edmund Weiner)

6.15     Questions and discussion

6.45 Drinks Reception, Holywell Manor, Manor Road, Oxford

The organisers gratefully acknowledge support from The Philological Society, The Henry Sweet Society for the History of Linguistic Ideas, and the English Faculty, University of Oxford, in enabling this event to take place.