The OED (Second edition) is indeed available on CD and can be loaded to your Hard Drive. If you're going to use a dictionary, why not use _the_ authoritative source. I'm a bit of a lexicophile, but can't really afford to get the full 20 volume printed set. I copied the CD version to my HDD, and have found the electronic version just as easy to browse in wonder for hours. Cheers, Simon
PS I do have an American Heritage Dictionary, in addition to a hefty Webster's, Chambers and a couple of our local Macquarie dictionaries. However any suggestion that the OED is not the superlative dictionary will be met with dismissive derision. :-) -----Original Message----- From: Mike Johnston [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, 26 January 2003 2:06 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: OT: The Best Dictionaries > Great info! > > I've been saving this post to be answered, but haven't got around to > it for some reason. Too danged busy, I think. > > I've almost always been of the opinion that a dictionary should > reflect current usage (descriptive.) > I think a teacher told me that once, a long time ago, and it made > sense. Still does, with caveats. > > After reading the site info you supplied, I just wonder...I probably > ought to have two. One descriptive for my working dictionary, used to > help me put down words in an reasonable fashion, to be understood by > most readers. > The other should be my valued reference work, a prescriptive > dictionary of respectful heritage. > > I currently use "The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College > Edition" for everyday use, and a big "2nd Unabridged Edition of The > Random House Dictionary of the English Language," as my fallback > source. The final reference. The law. > > I don't think I have room in my little house for a proper reference > work, as they are huge and take up a lot of space. > They belong on their own podium (or whatever you call it) with a > light, so you can leave it ready for use. I even hate to drag out the > Random House Dictionary often, as it's upright in a bookcase (one of > our 8!) and putting it back is a pain! > > Anyhow, good post/URL and I'll keep it for a while, for more leisurely > reading. Keith, Glad you enjoyed it. Lexicography is actually a much more interesting subject than it appears to be at first glance. The reason I can never bring myself to bring the big Webster's Second home from our summer house is that it lives there on a special stand that was built especially for it. It seems a shame to part the two. I keep meaning to buy a Second for the house here, but have never gotten around to it. I should. --Mike P.S. AHED is a great dictionary for everyday use, especially since you can get a highly convenient version of it for loading on your hard drive. I don't have that any more either, which is also a situation I should rectify.
