A century after his death, work of wordsmith James Murray is remembered
ACADEMICS, family members and fans gathered in Oxford yesterday to celebrate 100 years since the death of James Murray, chief editor of the first Oxford English Dictionary.
Wreaths were laid at the lexicographer’s grave in Wolvercote Cemetery, Banbury Road, at 11am, led by his great-grandson Oswyn Murray.
One special offering was provided by Oxford English Dictionary staff.
Lynda Mugglestone, professor of history of English at Oxford University, said: “We have taken facsimiles from the original dictionary’s font and the wreath uses those letters.
“He was involved in every single design decision and spent ages thinking about fonts, so it is really nice.”
