# The Dictionary of Lost Words

**Featured** — On Your Markus  
**Published:** 23 December 2024  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/the-dictionary-of-lost-words/

Adapted by Verity Laughton. From the novel by Pip Williams In 1901, the word bondmaid was discovered missing from the Oxford English Dictionary. The Dictionary of Lost Words is the story of the girl who found it. After delighting audiences and critics alike in sold out seasons in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, our highest and fastest selling…

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Adapted by Verity Laughton. From the novel by Pip Williams

![The Dictionary of Lost Words" book by Pip Williams displayed among strawberries and open pages on a wooden surface.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/17626/DOLW-2560-x-1280.jpeg)

In 1901, the word bondmaid was discovered missing from the Oxford English Dictionary. *The Dictionary of Lost Words* is the story of the girl who found it.

After delighting audiences and critics alike in sold out seasons in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, our highest and fastest selling show in the history of the Dunstan Playhouse returns to Adelaide as part of a wider national tour throughout 2025.

Lovingly adapted by South Australian playwright Verity Laughton from Pip Williams’ acclaimed bestseller, *The Dictionary of Lost Words* tells the story of Esme, a young girl who takes it upon herself to preserve the ‘women’s words’ being neglected by the male lexicographers creating the first Oxford Dictionary. Set in 1886 and based on true events, the sweeping historical tale takes audiences from Esme’s formative years in the Scriptorium right into adulthood where she navigates love, loss and the power of language.

![Actor in red dress seated on stage against brick wall backdrop during theatre production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/17627/custom-image-11.jpg)

![Performer with curled auburn hair and cream lace costume against ornate red interior set.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/17628/73195795e2fa36dca4903a153e6b842c.jpg)

![Four performers positioned around a wooden table on a stage set with terracotta tiled walls during a theatrical production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/17629/custom-image-9-1.jpg)

![Woman in green dress and two figures in dark coats on stage set with red brick backdrop and warm lighting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/17630/InReview-SA-Dictionary-of-Lost-Words-2023-stage-production.webp)