George Edward Dartnell
A Glossary of Words used in the Country of Wiltshire
"A Glossary of Words used in the County of Wiltshire" by George Edward Dartnell and Rev. Edward Hungerford Goddard is a linguistic reference book written in the late 19th century. This glossary aims to document and preserve the dialect words and phrases specifically used in Wiltshire, providing insights into local vernacular that is gradually fading from use. A significant portion of the work captures the richness of regional speech, often deeply rooted in the area's history and culture. The opening of the glossary includes a preface detailing the challenges faced by the authors in compiling such a comprehensive list of dialect words. They acknowledge the vastness of the subject and the work that remains to be done, while also emphasizing the unique linguistic heritage of Wiltshire. It mentions that the words collected stem from years of research, many being recorded for the first time. The introduction outlines the project's scope, the dialect's historical context, and the importance of documenting these words before they become lost due to changing social attitudes toward rural speech. Overall, it sets the tone for an extensive and valuable reference resource.