Rating: 
Summary: How Could One Question the OED?
Review: Allow me to quote a previous reviewer: "But the bound version is so sensual, and beautiful, and while it takes a bit longer to find your word...it's the best overall version."
The OED is one of the greatest achievements in human literary history. I believe that while the CD-ROM and condensed versions of the work are useful, the sheer immensity of the work can only be truly captured by the 20 volumes (plus supplements) that make up the one truly authoritive lexicon of the English Language. Other languages also have excellent dictionaries (Japanese, for example) but I have seen none that compare to the overwhelming task accomplished by the Oxford English Dictionary Editors.
- J. Carlsen
Chicago, Illinois
Rating: 
Summary: an epic work that has trouble holding the interest
Review: Allow me to quote a previous reviewer: "But the bound version is so sensual, and beautiful, and while it takes a bit longer to find your word...it's the best overall version."
The OED is one of the greatest achievements in human literary history. I believe that while the CD-ROM and condensed versions of the work are useful, the sheer immensity of the work can only be truly captured by the 20 volumes (plus supplements) that make up the one truly authoritive lexicon of the English Language. Other languages also have excellent dictionaries (Japanese, for example) but I have seen none that compare to the overwhelming task accomplished by the Oxford English Dictionary Editors.
- J. Carlsen
Chicago, Illinois
Rating:
Summary: The question is not to own, but which to get.
Review: As other reviewers have said so clearly, this dictionary is a treat for anybody who writes, reads, thinks or speaks English. Its monumental enough that I haven't even sounded its depths. So far I use it for the odd words that I come across in readings, occasionally my trusty Arden Shakespeare's don't have a definition that I need, and this is the only dictionary that covers everything. In several years of use I still don't use its best feature, the quotations. It's too much for me yet, I'm not ready to look for the shades of meaning in a word in the 16th century; the right idiom of another time. One day I'll be ready for that.But the question for the prospective purchaser is, which version? First I bought the CDROM, luckily the OLD version of the software, which is wonderful. It's good enough, why did they have to change it to this new, horrid, fake web browser version? Please OUP, bring back the original OED Windows software for people. Anyhow, now I own the 20 volume set, but I don't own the 2 volume "eye strain" version, though I've spent time with it in libraries. My advice is, if you can spend the three to four hundred dollars, get the CDROM instead of the 2 volume set. The new CDROM software sounds pretty bad, but at least with this you can actually read the text, and get the full search facility. I use it as my spell checker, the "*" regex style searching is wonderful. I know how a misspelled word begins and ends, and the OED does the rest. Its also fun sometimes to do searches based on author, or find words based on time, to see how words filtered out into writing. Now, if you can spend more than that, the 20 volume set is the one to get. The computer version simply doesn't lend itself to browsing, or to lookup while your reading (its too jarring to go to a computer and look up a word while in the easy chair reading.) But the bound version is so sensual, and beautiful, and while it takes a bit longer to find your word (but not much longer, especially considering the unergonomic act of starting the computer, starting the software etc) it's the best overall version. The best thing is that you can easily take in the whole definition of a word. On the computerized version, it's too difficult to see the map of the senses. They do have an outline mode, but it doesn't work for me. Seeing it all written out on a big page makes it really easy to see all the different meanings of a word and how they relate. So which should you buy? The ultimate (if it's important and you have money enough) get both the CDROM and the 20 volume bound set. Next best, the 20 volume version. After that, get the CDROM, and if you don't have a computer (but then how would you be reading this?) get the 2 volume set. If money is tight, most libraries have it in the reference section; at least go to your local branch and treat yourself to an hour of browsing the Dictionary.
Rating: 
Summary: A VAST 20-VOLUME GEM, BUT LOOK AT IT THIS WAY....
Review: Considering its vast contents and coverage, the "Oxford English Dictionary (20-volume set)" is an impeccable collection, which deserve every accolade that may come its way. However, it is worthwhile noting that all that glitters is not gold.
Although aware that this 20-volume set is cumbersome for the average day-to-day use, its publishers, (the Oxford University Press), instilled extreme restrictive flexibility on the only easy way out: the use of its CD-ROM version. This fact made the choice of "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary" seem more attractive.
Unlike the bulky twenty-volume 'real thing', this 'Shorter' alternative is a relatively portable two-volume set, which impressively contains 33% of what its 'big-brother' boasts of. Also, its listed price is a meagre 5% of what the 'real thing' costs: thus making it a wiser choice (and a greater value for money).
In conclusion, I acknowledge the fact that the versatility of "Oxford English Dictionary (20-volume set)" is superlative. But unless you need the most extensive dictionary money can buy, and be prepared to peruse twenty texts when in need of definitions, I would suggest that you act wisely and invest on its 'Shorter' cousin. The size of the "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary" is a portable one-tenth that of this 20-volume set. It offers a respectable one-third of its coverage; and sells for paltry one-twentieth of its price. Call it an economic sense, if you will. The choice is yours!
Rating:
Summary: Wealth of scholarship at one's fingertips
Review: I bought the CD-ROM 3.0 version of the Oxford English Dictionary recently, and have had no problem whatsoever installing it or using it. It is such a convenient tool to use in my line of work, which has to do with words. This is one of my most precious possessions. Such an authoritative work of reference virtually at my fingertips! I like the use of colours in it, too, especially when my eyesight is not what it used to be. When one compares the price of this version of the OED and the prices of other things in the world today, this is really good value for money. I would recommend it to anyone who loves to delve into the meanings, origins and history of words in the English language.
Rating:
Summary: Version 3.1 works fine for me in Win XP
Review: I've had OED on CDROM 3.1 for a week now and have had no problems on my Windows XP Pro machine. No problems installing, none running the dictionary. Maybe they've worked out all the bugs. It is well worth the money - mainly because it is an interesting read.
Rating: 
Summary: OED CD-ROM v. 2.0--OUP has good customer service
Review: Just wanted to offer a more balanced viewpoint to the perception that OUP has bad customer service--a view that I came across on Amazon customer reviews of the OED CD-ROMs. I got 2 replies on the SAME day from the OUP UK office and a link to a patch which fixed the problem of v. 2.0 not being compatible with Windows XP. I prayed extra hard that the problem would be solved as I really missed my OED. And my prayer came true. :)
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: There's not much question that the 20 volume set of the Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition) sets the standard for all other dictionaries to follow. There are, however, some associated questions. First, how good is the cd version? Version 3.0 is still a bit risky due to technical issues - ok for the daring, devoted, but probably not tame enough for the technological faint-of-heart. Second, what to get with the large set? Try "A Guide to the Oxford English Dictionary," by Donna Lee Berg. Third, what if the 20 volume set is too pricey? Well, there is the 20 volumes crunched into 1 volume for the very keen eyed; there is also the 2 volume "Shorter Oxford English Dictionary" with fewer entries; and for the Webster's fans, there is always the "Webster's Third New International Dictionary."
Rating:
Summary: A valuable addition to any library, but long in the tooth
Review: This is the zenith of dictionaries. Almost all words in the English language put in an appearance, with many of them getting extensive etymologies. The only catch is that the second edition merely compiled the multitude of previous volumes, so the quotes for which the OED is justly famous stop abruptly about 1900 for many of the entries. A new version is currently being prepared, but won't be totally ready until 2010 (internet users get the revised sections as they are completed). My other minor peeve is that they deem standard British usage to be standard world usage. The dictionary should ideally reflect world usage. However, a discussion of the numerous versions is also in order. I got my Compact OED last Christmas after using all three versions. Below is a list of what I feel to be the pros and cons of each version. Compact Pros: the cheapest way to get your hands on the OED; it IS a book; it comes with an abridged version of the user's guide (but not the full thing unfortunately); nicely presented. Cons: an electron microscope is a more appropriate reading device than a magnifying glass; it's HEAVY, man (so an investment in a table and a good reading light may be in order). CD ROM Pros: scalable font, fully searchable and ... um ... er ... that's it. Cons: How they can get away with charging more for the CD ROM than the Compact paper edition is beyond me; it's not a book, is it (where's the tactility?). 20 Volume Set Pros: Something to give to the grandkids; easy to read Cons: Do you have a spare metre or so of shelf space?; even at a reduced price, it still costs three times as much as the compact edition (although the average cost per volume is VERY low).
Rating:
Summary: For your reference
Review: Those who, reading the below reviews, are unsure whether they should invest in the 2nd edition, or hold out for the 3rd, are advised that according to the official askoxford.com, the 3rd edition is as of this writing (late 2004) not expected to be completed until at least 2018, may run to 40+ volumes, and may or may not have a print edition. If it does, it will surely be priced and marketed only for the lavishly wealthy or for the few major research institutions that will at that point still value the luxury of print materials.
|
