A large book in the middle of the centre shelf of Walt's working library is On Language, by William Safire. Mr. Safire died on September 27th.I like to think he would have written "died" rather than "passed away". That was the kind of man he was -- one who valued plain and precise speech, but correctness first!
William Safire was a lexicographer and a pundit. One pundit more or less makes no difference. But capable and knowledgeable lexicographers are a rare breed.
Mr. Safire was a maven, "one who understands". He understood that the English language, especially as spoken and written by today's media personalities, is being debased. He waged a lifelong struggle for correct (but not politically correct) and creative speech.
William Safire will be missed by all who, like Walt, love our language.
No comments:
Post a Comment