boxofdelights: (Default)
boxofdelights ([personal profile] boxofdelights) wrote2013-12-11 03:21 pm

story told as dictionary entries

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?
wordweaverlynn: (Default)

[personal profile] wordweaverlynn 2013-12-11 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
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.
onyxlynx: purple background, curved broken horizon line, flare symbolizing sun (Planet Purple)

[personal profile] onyxlynx 2013-12-11 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
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!
kaberett: Trans symbol with Swiss Army knife tools at other positions around the central circle. (Default)

[personal profile] kaberett 2013-12-11 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Diana Wynne Jones, The Tough Guide To Fairyland.