Webster's New World Dictionary of Media and Communications

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Summary: More than a dictionary; no one should be without this book.
Review: "Webster's New World Dictionary of Media and Communications"By Richard Weiner, Macmillan PublishingISBN 0-02-860611-6 The glossaries that are on web sites usually are too skimpy, in number and length of the definitions. That's why most of us still use dictionaries and other reference books. One of the most useful specialized dictionaries is Webster's New World Dictionary of Media and Communications, recently published by Macmillan. The 678-page paperback is the most comprehensive collection ever published of technical and slang terms in 28 fields, including advertising, computer, film, journalism, marketing, printing, public relations, radio, telecommunications, television and theater. Written by Richard Weiner, a renowned public relations counselor, the book combines easy-to-read definitions with useful information for students and experts. The 35,000 "base entries" and related terms are more than in any advertising, film, literacy, television or theater dictionary. Several hundred definitions are not in any other dictionary. Another unique feature is the global orientation, with hundreds of British, Canadian, French, German and Japanese words used by film buffs and business people. Listings include abbreviations, acronyms, associations, awards, biographical dates and several hundred major companies in the media and communications fields, including headquarters cities. Current jargon, nicknames and slang are supplemented with historical information, particularly 19th century printing and publishing terms that are still used. Pithy comments call attention to words that are commonly used incorrectly, misspelled or mispronounced. The book will be useful to the many millions of people who are employed in the broadcasting, postal, promotion, telephone and other communications fields, as well as to freelancers, students, writers and computer users, and the many people who are media buffs.

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Summary: This book can get you a job in media and communications.
Review: At a job interview, or on the job,it really helps to speakto kmow the lingo of the field. This book has thousands of definitions of technical and slang words used by reporters, broadcasters, printers, advertisers, theatrical and many other media and communications fields, plus helpful hints. It is only $27.95, and Amazon's price is even less! I'm really excited about this investment, and it's easy to read and enjoy.

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Summary: Authoritative dictionary of today's media
Review: With so many specialized dictionaries abounding, it's a pleasure to report that Weiner's is truly useful for today's communicator. As an advertising/public relations practitioner with a deep interest in the graphic arts, I actually enjoyed finding so many technical terms accurately and often wittily defined. If you're looking for a minibrute to do your bidding, need an Oxberry unit, a Goudy other than Curt, or need a few minutes with a goyu, you're in luck here. You'll even find a goon stand or two, plus a much needed puncheon. All in all, a very valuable and solid book. It is now on my desk permanently, along with Skeat's Etymological Dictionary (1910) and the American Heritage Dictionary (1992). I've been using it daily for the past three months. Highly recommended.