story told as dictionary entries

[boxofdelights]

Wasn't there a story presented in the form of dictionary entries in one of the Dangerous Visions volumes? Can you think of any short stories written entirely as excerpts from dictionaries or encyclopedias? If so, will you please name them here or here?

Comments

[wordweaverlynn]

Monique Wittig and Sande Zeig, Lesbian Peoples. A wonderful dictionary/novel.

The Dictionary of the Khazars by Milorad Pavić was another novel told in dictionary entries.

Joanna Russ did a fabulously funny story told entirely in sentences from a space traveler's phrase book. "Useful Phrases for the Tourist" was the title. Oh God, I am so sorry she is dead.

[boxofdelights]

Yes! the Russ is the perfect example.

I haven't read the other two but I am going to track them down.

[wordweaverlynn]

The Khazar book came in two versions: male and female. I believe the difference was no more than a single paragraph.

[onyxlynx]

There's a vague recollection of something possibly by Joanna Russ. Camiroi, I think. Wait. No, that turns out to be Lafferty. "Useful Phrases for the Tourist." Bless Wikipedia!

[boxofdelights]

Yes! That is such a good story!

[wild_irises]

Brian Aldiss has a wonderful one, but I can't remember the title (I thought it was "Camiroi," but as onyxlynx points out, that's Lafferty. I'll see if I can dredge it out of my brain.

[kaberett]

Diana Wynne Jones, The Tough Guide To Fairyland.

[boxofdelights]

Oh, excellent!

[snippy]

There's a fanfic, does that count? A Partial Dictionary Of The 21st Century By Captain Steve Rogers, US Army.

[boxofdelights]

That is the kind of story I was thinking of. The original poster needs something published, though.

[ifreet]

Which answers the question of whether I should try to track down the Stargate Atlantis one.