Saturday, January 09, 2010

What is Jack Lynch reading?

This weekend's featured contributor at Writers Read: Jack Lynch, author of 2009's The Lexicographer’s Dilemma: The Evolution of “Proper” English, from Shakespeare to “South Park” and many other publications.

One paragraph from his entry:
I recently finished Alberto Manguel, The Library at Night, which charmed me; though I didn't have the reference book project in mind when I picked it up, I discovered all sorts of things I'm sure to work into that project. Those who don't know Manguel should track him down, since he's the ultimate bookish type, someone who really lives among, even inside, his books...[read on]
Jack Lynch is an Associate Professor in the English department of the Newark campus of Rutgers University, specializing in the English literature of the eighteenth century.

Among the praise for The Lexicographer’s Dilemma:
“An entertaining tour of the English language.”
New York Times

“Memo to grammar cops: Back off! A new book on the history of "proper" English says you're just stuck up!”
Laura Miller, Salon

“This delightful look at efforts through the centuries to define and control the English language turns out to be a history of human exasperation, frustration and free-floating angst.”
Carolyn See, Washington Post
Visit Jack Lynch's website and blog.

Writers Read: Jack Lynch.

--Marshal Zeringue