Penguin English Dictionary (Penguin Reference Books) (Hardcover)

Penguin provides a very up-to-date dictionary - its vocabulary covers an extensive range of modern terms or new words, and it generates a very cool, with-it feel. You are offered over 1600 pages, densely packed with information, but you may find that, compared to some other dictionaries, the definitions can be a little bit abrupt and restricted. In general terms, this is not a problem, but it doesn't have the etymological or historical depth and range that even bigger dictionaries offer.

Print quality is excellent - dense, dark, crisp, highly legible ... but you may still need your glasses if you wear them. Now, I write professionally, and have recently had to resort to glasses, so this has become a relevant factor for me. I also have a number of dictionaries - the tools of my trade. I feel that the print quality provided by Penguin is of the best and that this dictionary is easier to read in dim or poor lighting than many of its competitors. This may be a major factor for many people.

Paper quality is excellent and has a good, robust feel to it. Penguin offer (or offered) two versions of the dictionary - paperback or hardback. Choose the hardback! If you use a dictionary regularly, the hardback is far more forgiving and is definitely built to last. I started with a paperback version and, while it is still an invaluable servant, it is beginning to show signs of strain.

This is a heavy, but not overly bulky volume. It might just fit conveniently on a desk top, though perhaps not in a drawer, and is over heavy for a younger child to handle with ease. But it has a good feel to it, and I've found it to be a useful tool.

But, as always, when reviewing dictionaries, I always conclude by suggesting that you try to find a copy in your local book shop and see if it suits your purposes. Dictionaries are a very personal, almost intimate, artefact, so it's worth seeing them and handling them before you make your choice. I'm very impressed by the Penguin offering, but you should take time to consider whether it or one of its competitors best fits your needs, your pocket, and your lifestyle.

I have not been disappointed. In addition to providing interesting reading, it has already supplied the answer to one puzzle, namely why my American partner could not see that the answer to a crossword clue about "posts" was "bollards". It turns out that the first definition listed (a traffic barrier) is actually limited to British English, a fact that had previously escaped me despite 22 years in the USA, but one that the Penguin dictionary notes. Having become used to American English dictionaries, which tend to assume US usage and note only the (non-US) exceptions, I found this usage note commendable in a British dictionary.

In short, this book looks like a really useful addition to my shelf. If you enjoy words, you should get one too!

Penguin provides a very up-to-date dictionary - its vocabulary covers an extensive range of modern terms or new words, and it generates a very cool, with-it feel. You are offered over 1600 pages, densely packed with information, but you may find that, compared to some other dictionaries, the definitions can be a little bit abrupt and restricted. In general terms, this is not a problem, but it doesn't have the etymological or historical depth and range that even bigger dictionaries offer.

Print quality is excellent - dense, dark, crisp, highly legible ... but you may still need your glasses if you wear them. Now, I write professionally, and have recently had to resort to glasses, so this has become a relevant factor for me. I also have a number of dictionaries - the tools of my trade. I feel that the print quality provided by Penguin is of the best and that this dictionary is easier to read in dim or poor lighting than many of its competitors. This may be a major factor for many people.

Paper quality is excellent and has a good, robust feel to it. Penguin offer (or offered) two versions of the dictionary - paperback or hardback. Choose the hardback! If you use a dictionary regularly, the hardback is far more forgiving and is definitely built to last. I started with a paperback version and, while it is still an invaluable servant, it is beginning to show signs of strain.

This is a heavy, but not overly bulky volume. It might just fit conveniently on a desk top, though perhaps not in a drawer, and is over heavy for a younger child to handle with ease. But it has a good feel to it, and I've found it to be a useful tool.

But, as always, when reviewing dictionaries, I always conclude by suggesting that you try to find a copy in your local book shop and see if it suits your purposes. Dictionaries are a very personal, almost intimate, artefact, so it's worth seeing them and handling them before you make your choice. I'm very impressed by the Penguin offering, but you should take time to consider whether it or one of its competitors best fits your needs, your pocket, and your lifestyle.