The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel
by Pip Williams
The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel by Pip Williams holds a highly rated rating of 4.40 out of 5, based on 26.6K reader ratings. First published in 2021. The book spans 368 pages.
About The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel
Esme is born into a world of words. Motherless and irrepressibly curious, she spends her childhood in the Scriptorium, an Oxford garden shed in which her father and a team of dedicated lexicographers are collecting words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary. Young Esme’s place is beneath the sorting table, unseen and unheard. One day a slip of paper containing the word bondmaid flutters beneath the table. She rescues the slip and, learning that the word means “slave girl,” begins to collect other words that have been discarded or neglected by the dictionary men.
As she grows up, Esme realizes that words and meanings relating to women’s and common folks’ experiences often go unrecorded. And so she begins in earnest to search out words for her own dictionary: the Dictionary of Lost Words. To do so she must leave the sheltered world of the university and venture out to meet the people whose words will fill those pages.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Pip Williams |
| Published | 2021 |
| Pages | 368 |
| Kindle Price | $12.99 |
| Genres | Fiction |
| Average Rating | 4.40 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 26,567 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel?
The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel is categorized as Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fiction.
Is The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel worth reading?
Based on 26.6K reader ratings, The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel has an average score of 4.40 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel?
The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel has 368 pages.
Who wrote The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel?
The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel was written by Pip Williams. It was first published in 2021.
What is the ISBN for The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel?
The ISBN-13 for The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel is 9780593160190.
How much does The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel cost on Kindle?
The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel is available on Kindle for $12.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 22, 2026
