Lexicographers, says the author firmly, are the neutral reporters of how language is used, not the arbiters of what correct language entails. Stamper goes into extreme detail about how dictionary definitions come about, from word origins to parts of speech to pronunciation, punctuated by sparkling humor and amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes of dictionary creation at Merriam-Webster. The heart of this book is Stamper’s deep love of the English language, and her constant nerdy delight keeps everything moving.