Not so Trivial

Whilst writing articles for Tarvinonline I have noted differing use of the comma before "and" e.g. tall, dark and handsome or tall, dark, and handsome?

Long ago during my school days I was taught that the first example was correct. However there was an article in our daily paper recently stating that this vexed question was raised at the Hay Book festival by the linguist David Charles. He says that both are correct and says that the debate has been around since the 18th century.

During the 19th century the Oxford University press decided the comma should be there and it is now called the Oxford comma. On the other hand Cambridge University press decided it should be omitted. So we can carry on as we have done for years. Unfortunately for young people taking examinations the Oxford comma has been banned in the latest guidance to teachers and has to be marked as incorrect.

A bit of trivia, for most of us, but I found it of interest and hope a few others may too.