Henry Watson Fowler

Fowler's best-known work is A Dictionary of Modern English Usage, first published in 1926 by Oxford University Press. The book became the definitive guide to English usage and has been revised multiple times, including editions by Ernest Gowers and most recently by Jeremy Butterfield.

Fowler co-authored several works with his brother Francis George Fowler, including The King's English published in 1906. After his brother's death in 1918, Henry completed A Dictionary of Modern English Usage on his own.

Fowler advocated for clarity and concision over rigid grammatical rules, often preferring common sense to prescriptive dogma. His approach influenced generations of writers and editors in the 20th century and distinguished him from more conservative Victorian grammarians.

Fowler also worked on the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, serving as one of its editors alongside his brother. His lexicographical work extended beyond the usage guide for which he is most famous, encompassing several Oxford reference projects.