So far there have been few attempts at a systematic study of the history of popular dictionaries. A dictionary like Chambers deserves special attention because of its long tradition that goes back to the nineteenth century. This book traces the development of the Chambers Dictionary from its origins to the present time by comparing successive editions of the dictionary. This comparative approach will provide scholars and students with insights into the Chambers lexicographers’ work, the goals they aimed to achieve, and the problems they had to face when revising the dictionary.