The Compact Oxford English Dictionary

Product Information

Given the tiny print, four pages of the original set on each page of this edition, this OED is difficult to use. From its charming drawer that contains the very necessary magnifying glass to its micro font to its hernia-inducing weight, this treasure trove of words has come to feel like an old friend. This is not supposed to be the Thesaurus, it's the one-volume Big Dictionary with a magnifying glass! I could get lost in the pages of a dictionary, skipping from one definition to another to see how long a chain I can make of words I didn't know.

This dictionary also makes an excellent end table, if you're not the sort of person who is bothered by coffee rings to your books. Throughout the dictionary text there are notes giving advice on the use of good English, and highlighting the differences between commonly confused words such as empathy and sympathy, and affect and effect, as well as thousands of example phrases showing words in context. The most fabulous dictionary of the English language (other than the complete edition of the Oxford).From the reviews of the Second Edition of The Oxford English Dictionary: "The gigantic total picture of the English language. The coverage of essential English vocabulary and clear, accessible style make this revised edition of the 'Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English' ideal for general everyday use. I kinda wish I had the larger-print, two volume set, though there is definitely something to be said for having it all in one book.

Slipcase shows a little wear, a few spots and marks, bottom shelf rubbed, sides a little bowed, provides strong protection and includes magnifier in drawer ( NB Heavy set over 8. Improve your confidence in writing with helpful grammar and punctuation guides, full thesaurus information, style and usage help, and much more. The Compact is not an abridgement, but a direct photoreduction of the entire 20-volume set, with nine pages of the original on every nine-by-twelve page of the Compact (a magnifying glass comes with it).Dip Into NEW PAPERBACKS [jsb_filter_by_tags count="15" show_more="10" sort_by="total_products"/] A selection of recent paperbacks.