English and History teacher Pat Manser started working on the Macquarie Dictionary in 1973 and is well placed to tell the story of how it all came together and has continued to grow.

Part One is a good introduction to a new kind of dictionary, and how it was put together.

Part Two is the road to publication. Launched on 21 September 1981, the dictionary was described as the first comprehensive documentation of Australian English.

Part Three is the ongoing evolution. After the launch, the team began the process of establishing a dictionary in every market at every price point, which included 23 spin-off editions in 10 years. Appendix A has a long list of Macquarie publications. I had no idea there were so many! One I do have is the Macquarie Atlas of Indigenous Australia (2005). The Macquarie Dictionary Eighth Edition in two volumes was released in 2020.

The book also contains photos of the many people involved over the years.

I found More than Words in my local library, but check your favourite book supplier. It is published by Macquarie Dictionary, Pan Macmillan Australia, 2021.

For more on this theme, see books by Sue Butler AO, Editor of the Macquarie Dictionary: Rebel without a Clause, The Aitch Factor and The Dinkum Dictionary.

See www.macquariedictionary.com.au

To work with an accredited editor who strives for clear communication, please contact me at rhdaniels@bigpond.com