The Dickson Baseball Dictionary
Paul Dickson (Author), Skip McAfee (Editor)
The definitive work on the language of baseball—one of the
“Five Best Baseball Books” (Wall Street Journal).
Hailed as “a staggering piece of scholarship” (Wall
Street Journal) and “an indispensable guide to the
language of baseball” (San Diego Union-Tribune), The
Dickson Baseball Dictionary has become an invaluable
resource for those who love the game. Drawing on dozens of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century periodicals, as well as contemporary sources, Dickson’s brilliant,
illuminating definitions trace the earliest appearances of
terms both well known and obscure. This edition includes
more than 10,000 terms with 18,000 individual entries,
and more than 250 photos. This “impressively comprehensive” (The Nation) book will delight everyone from the
youngest fan to the hard-core aficionado.
Book Details
- Paperback
- June 2011
-
ISBN 978-0-393-34008-2
- 6.6 × 9.7 in
/ 974 pages
- Territory Rights: Worldwide
Other Formats
-
Third Edition / Hardcover
Endorsements & Reviews
“Dickson’s discursive dictionary…a delight for former sandlot players, lexical scholars and members of the hot-stove league. ” — William Safire, The New York Times Magazine
“An indispensable guide to the language of baseball.” — John Curtis, San Diego Union-Tribune
“If you’re a baseball fan and...you’re curious about the etymology of the phrase out in the left field or you need a refresher on the infield fly rule. Well for 20 years, the authority, the baseball Bible, if you will, has been The Dickson Baseball Dictionary. ” — Melissa Block, All Things Considered
“This grand book is truly a baseball lover's dream come true. From the first to the last page, it provides an enjoyable experience for readers to treasure. Of special note are the handsome presentation, adequate type size, and editorial care taken with photos and layout that makes the book accessible without compromising comprehensiveness. An essential guide to America's pastime. ” — Library Journal
“A wonderful companion volume...enough to last a fan through a 162-game season and the playoffs.…What a treasure to have at hand with a long season ahead. ” — David Broder, Washington Post
“Very cool.” — Rachel Maddow, The Rachel Maddow Show
“This magnificent volume will make the perfect gift for diehard fans.” — Vick Mickunas, The Dayton Daily News
“Baseball-loving dads need this book now. It's the perfect gift any time, but to receive it at the start of baseball season—well, it doesn't get any better than that.” — Marilyn Crain, Baltimore Examiner
“[E]xtraordinary book…of value beyond the cost. If you or someone you love has an interest in [baseball, this] will be [a] welcome addition to any collection...so readable, so accessible, and such a pleasure to dip into, to research into, or to just sit down and read for the narrative flow.” — James Srodes, Washington Times
“Always attuned to lore and language, Dickson ventures far beyond dugout expressions that have already dug out a place in common American speech.” — Rob Kyff, Hartford Courant
“An invaluable American thesaurus.” — Mark Shields
“Stupendous. . . . The best specialty dictionary I’ve seen in years.” — Grant Barrett, lexicographer, NPR
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