The Essay - Johnson Now - Johnson, the Dictionary, the Wiki and the Web

Four contemporary writers reflect on the mighty linguistic shadow left by the compiler of the first great dictionary of the English language, Samuel Johnson. Johnson's monumental Dictionary set the standard; after Johnson had pronounced, English could never be the same again. In this series four very different writers from across the world reflect on the Johnsonian linguistic heritage as it plays out in their own world and their own lives. David Crystal, acclaimed writer on the English language, ponders Johnson's reaction to contemporary word-gathering machinery. Producer: Marya Burgess (repeat).