<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent dictionary gets a minor update
Review: As a dictionary junkie, I've used a lot of dictionaries. By far, the Oxford Illlustrated is most enjoyable to use. I could even use the word fun. Unfortunately, many professional book reviewers state that this dictionary is used primarily for a home with children or a classroom. While it is a great book for that demographic, it's a also a sheer pleasure for any adult. Gone are the days of simplistic pencil drawings and flat lifeless paper. This dictionary has thousands of interesting illustrations and glossy paper. It's about as multi-media a book can get without being a computer program. Perhaps this does sound like it's only for kids. But it's not. It's truly a dictionary that almost anyone can open up and actually just enjoy looking at and reading - on almost any given page. This isn't something one can say about any dictionary before DK and Oxford got together to publish this book. Obviously, if you're looking primarily for word history and extensive multipe definitions this dictionary isn't for you. The original version of the Illustrated Oxford English Dictionary was published in 1998 at 1008 pages. This new edition, published in 2003, is described on the DK web site as "completely updated." I haven't been able to do direct comparisons, but given the fact that this edition is also 1008 pages the update couldn't have been too substantial. However, given that there were errors in the earlier edition and certain ommitted current words, it's best to go with this most recent edition.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent dictionary gets a minor update
Review: As a dictionary junkie, I've used a lot of dictionaries. By far, the Oxford Illlustrated is most enjoyable to use. I could even use the word fun. Unfortunately, many professional book reviewers state that this dictionary is used primarily for a home with children or a classroom. While it is a great book for that demographic, it's a also a sheer pleasure for any adult. Gone are the days of simplistic pencil drawings and flat lifeless paper. This dictionary has thousands of interesting illustrations and glossy paper. It's about as multi-media a book can get without being a computer program. Perhaps this does sound like it's only for kids. But it's not. It's truly a dictionary that almost anyone can open up and actually just enjoy looking at and reading - on almost any given page. This isn't something one can say about any dictionary before DK and Oxford got together to publish this book. Obviously, if you're looking primarily for word history and extensive multipe definitions this dictionary isn't for you. The original version of the Illustrated Oxford English Dictionary was published in 1998 at 1008 pages. This new edition, published in 2003, is described on the DK web site as "completely updated." I haven't been able to do direct comparisons, but given the fact that this edition is also 1008 pages the update couldn't have been too substantial. However, given that there were errors in the earlier edition and certain ommitted current words, it's best to go with this most recent edition.
Rating:
Summary: Fun!
Review: I have to agree wholeheartedly with a previous reviewer that this book is a lot of fun for both kids and adults. The union of DK and Oxford. is certainly a winning combination.
Rating:
Summary: Oxford Ilustrated Dictionary
Review: This dictionary is top of the line. The pictures are bright and brilliant with color. I absolutely love this dictionary. The colorful pictures,informative detail, and charts will draw kids in with curiosity. This is a keeper for any growing family with children. I bought it online in a "Used" category for $15.00 but I received it Brand New/Mint condition. It retails for $50 and is definitely worth every penny.
<< 1 >>
| 
