Dictionary Reviews

(By Edward Trimnell, author of "Why You Need a Foreign Language & How to Learn One," ISBN:1591133343)

This book explains the usage of numerous Spanish colloquialisms, through realistic dialogs, and extensive additional notes.

While there are some off-color words included in the book, the authors do not expend all of their energies listing countless obscenities that you would never want to use (a classic failing of the "slang" foreign language genre). Rather, the book focuses on colloquial expressions that you will actually be able to employ the next time you visit Spain or Mexico.

The authors explain how colloquialisms vary by region, making distinctions between expressions that are used in Spain, Argentina, Mexico, etc.

In summary, this book is a solid addition to the library of any student of Spanish.

This book is the best birthday present I ever got from a friend...It is at once a GREAT read, with hilarious jokes, situations, and catroons sprinkeled throughout; and a solid educational resource...although you won't find it in your high school Spanish class. Also, it covers a wide spectrum of slang, from innocent proverbs to informal greetings to more risque or vulgar phrases. Which of course help you to be an informed global citizen, haha. When you think you're done learning all the words for one lesson, you can quiz yourself with the brief excercises at the end of each chapter!
But wait, there's more! Since Spanish is the official language of a dazzling 21 countries, this book also does a great job at pointing out and explaining regional differences. All in all, this book will teach you to greet, express a multitude of emotions, complain, respond to lewd comments, spout proverbs, and overall feel a lot more comfortable with your usage and understanding of everyday Spanish. With readings, excercises, vocab lists, fun, and a dictionary in the back, this book is your one-stop for picking up tons of casual Spanish as it is really spoken.

There are a plethora of books purporting to deal with Spanish slang on the market; a surprisingly large number of them have come out in just the last few years. After having checked out many of them, I must say that this is far and away the best one that I have encountered to date.

One of the problems with dealing with colloquialisms in Spanish is that they differ so much from region to region. This book addresses this by setting the dialogues in different Hispanic countries, including (dare I say it?) that particularly large Hispanic country called the United States, specifically in California and Florida. The book then selects out the colloquialisms covered in the lesson and tells you what the equivalent terms are in other Hispanic countries.

Another problem with learning colloquialisms, and this is true in any language, is that they tend to vary considerably depending on the social type you're dealing with: students, business types, street people, etc. Not infrequently, the learner may have to deal with several different strata in the course of his or her travels, and so familiarity with several situations is called for. The different lessons, and lectures, in this book intentionally vary the milieu of the characters so that you get an even spread.

The book also has an abundance of cultural notes and asides, jokes, and situational items to polish up your skills. Among the features I enjoyed best was the essay on that famous Hispanic folk art, the "piropo", including examples of the genre, along with some snappy comebacks for women to use when encountering this phenomenon on the street.

So may study aids come out on Spanish every year that it's hard to single out the real winners. This book is definitely one of them, and regardless of your interest in the language you'll find your money well spent on this one. To top it all, it's a good read!

I purchased this book for my 4 year old son who keeps asking lots of questions. While the book may be a bit advanced and he is just learning to read, he enjoys my explaining the various topics within. This books is not for kids only and is an excellent reference to have in the home as adults can gain as much from this excellent reference. Also a great book and companion volume is the Ultimate Visual Dictionary. DK books really puts out great books and this one is tops on my list.

A superb resource for children and adults! Excellent photos, experiment descriptions, and drawings. Covers every major science field. I use it to learn about new areas and to refresh my college level subjects such as physics and chemistry. It is simple enough for children, but includes advanced information, such as physics formulas, that makes it wonderful for adults as well. I can't say enough good things about this book!

I bought this for my nephew, and was so interested by it I spent half the night reading it!

My wife finaly started looking through it and liked it so much she wanted it for Christmas for herself!

It covers anatomy, biology, chemstry, earth science, physics, astronomy, computers & electronics - and much more - everything!!

I'm what you might call a collector of languages. I like to study languages of various sorts, not necessarily to become fluent in them, but simply to learn about them and think about them. Latin is certainly one of the more interesting languages to study, if not because one finds it fascinating in itself (which I do), then because it has influenced modern languages so much.

Veni, Vidi, Vici is a great book to open to a random page and read for a few minutes. And it's rather amusing to throw around Latin phrases such as "Mars gravior sub pace lacet" ("a more serious war lies hidden in peace") to see how people react.

Whether or not you are interested in actually learning Latin, this is a very interesting and fun book to read. If nothing else, it can get your mind thinking about just how pervasive Latin roots are in the language we speak today. If you are a fellow helluo librorum ("devourer of books"), you will definitely like Veni, Vidi, Vici.

Barbarus hic ego sum, quia non intelligor ullis Barbarus hic ego sum, quia non intelligor ullis et rident stolidi verba Latina.

When I got this book, it was when I needed to say something in Latin to impress a few friends and teachers. This is a very good book, tells you almost every Latin saying you'll ever need as well as being ordered very nicely. The index is also very good and I think this book gives good detail without going too far. Great book and also a nice way to annoy some people when you don't like them.

This thesaurus is divided into two main sections: Roget's style thematic index and a dictionary style alphabetized index.

The thematic index is divided into six areas, covering less than 20 pages:

Abstract Concepts
Spatial Concepts
Physical and material Concepts
Human Intellect
Human Personality and Actions
Human Emotions and Beliefs

For researching ideas, this first part is invaluable.

However, the vast majority of the time, I use the extraordinarily convenient dictionary style index, covering nearly 900 pages. It's easy - if you need a new word to cover the same tired old word you've been using, just look it up. For example, here's the entry for the common word, friend:

Friend, n. 1. [a person with whom one has mutual attachment] - Syn. Companion, intimate, confidant, comrade, familiar, schoolmate, playmate, best friend, close friend, roommate, bedfellow, fellow, fast friend, bosom friend, boon companion, mate alter ego, other self, soul mate, crony*, buddy*, sidekick*, bosom buddy*, homeboy*, homegirl*. Ant. Foe, ENEMY, stranger.

2. [An ally] Syn. Compatriot, confrere, colleague; see associate (in boldface)

3. [A patron] -- Syn. Supporter, backer, advocate, sympathizer; see patron (in boldface) 1.

Make friends with (in bold face) - Syn. Befriend, strike up a friendship with, buddy up to*; see associate (in boldface) 1.

When a word is in bold face, it means that the word is included in the thesaurus and may have other suggestions for you. The number after the bold face tells where in the entry to look for suggestions. The noun form of the word friend has three numbers referring to different definitions. An asterisk after a word, according to the thesaurus, indicates "archaic, colloquial, dialect, slang, or other unusual usage." The N after the entry word refers to its part of speech; in this case, the word friend is a noun. Syn. refers to synonym, or a word that is similar in meaning. Ant. refers to antonym, or a word that is opposite in definition.

The very back of the book has a small handful of pages called the Supplementary Word Lists, which include endings of words, such as -cide, --cracy, --iac, --mancy, and so forth and gives a list of words with that particular suffix. For example, for -iac, the listings includes words such as insomniac, kleptomaniac, and paranoiac, among many others.

In short, this is an excellent reference for a beginner (my ten-year-old frequently uses this thesaurus) as well as a seasoned professional. The organization is superb and it is easy to read and to follow. It's nearly impossible not to find the word that you seek!

Even though I'm a die-hard Merriam-Webster user, I have to say that this thesaurus well exceeds the M-W Collegiate one in both resourcefulness and usability. Extensive, well-organized and user-friendly. A powerful tool to empower your writing.

Webster's New World Thesaurus is the consummate source for those who pine to augment their subjacent grasp of the English lexicon. The author of this tome has mustered a grand assemblage of words -- all of which will prove utile when attempting to woo the opposite sex.

With a plethora of words to cull through, Webster's New World Thesaurus will provide you with the minutia you to need to help you imply intelligence, even if you're a mere plebeian.

This is the best dictionary. It is easy to use because of the unique system of word groupings. I have four crossword dictionaries and this one is the best. I need to replace it as I have it held together with tape and string.

I MUST FIND A NEW BOOK SOON AS MINE IS BEYOND FIXING AND I CAN'T MANAGE WITHOUT IT!

My mother is 84 years old and she has used this dictionary exclusively since it's been in print. Her current copy is in shredds. We've got to find her one. Her life is not that full and crosswording is very important and this dictionary is a big part of her puzzling joy.

Interpreting early handwriting in wills, deeds, and other documents can frequently be difficult. Add to that the conundrum of unfamiliar words and terms, and one faces an exercise in sheer frustration. Paul Drake's book, "What Did They Mean by That?" addresses the latter issue with encyclopedic clarity.

Dr. Drake enriches the content of his dictionary with abbreviations, full phrases, colloquialisms, military expressions, Latin legal terms, and newly-coined words. Interspersed throughout the 334-page volume are black and white illustrations as well as inserts containing fold-out exhibits of early handwriting. In addition to simple definitions, Dr. Drake includes examples of most of the terms as used in complete sentences.

One does not normally consider reading a dictionary as entertaining. This reviewer read the work with rapt attention and wry amusement in many instances, appreciating the evolution of meaning over time and context.

Dr. Drake has fashioned a valuable tool, useful not only to historians and genealogists; but also to writers in every genre.~

Words from the past give insight to the speech, occupations and material goods of our ancestors. In addition to terminology, such as the names of many courts and legal processes, this collection of more than 3,000 words includes many descriptions of early furniture and foods, common medical terms and herbal remedies, and many expressions, once common, yet now all but forgotten. The words found here are seen at every turn of research; in court documents, church records, books, newspapers, letters and songs.

A fine dictionary of terms nowhere else defined; critical to good research and understanding.

My love for this book stems not just from its wealth of content. The Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery was often a guest at our dinner table when I was growing up, so there are fond memories there too.

My mother is a fantastic cook, and I'd often bombard my folks with questions about food during dinner. Their usual response: "Look it up!" and that only meant one thing, "Look it up in Wise."

This book was the source of often fascinating information, as well as hours of fun - and even laughter - for our family. The laughter came because I could never put it down! It seemed that every time I turned to it for an answer, it would never be so easy as just getting the answer, and that's that. This book is so well cross-referenced, I'd inevitably get stuck in it for what seemed like hours (and often probably was) following all the "which see" and "see also" references. I used to call it the bane of my existence, but in truth, I always enjoyed it - and I learned several new things each time I opened it.

Now in my mid-thirtys, I find I really miss having this book around, and would love to own one. I can't understand why they let this go out of print! Mom's copy is so old and well-loved it's falling apart, but regardless of it's condition, I've told my family that when it comes time to fight over mom's extensive cookbook collection, The Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery is not up for grabs - it's mine. After all, I earned it!

My mother had this book when I was growing up. She used it to look up nutritional values of foods, recipes, diet information, and other "how-to's." When I got married, I found one of my own. This cookbook helped me learn about meal prep, tableware, preserving, food values and so much more. It has never failed me and if I had to pick only one cookbook, this would be it. It is such an all-inclusive and well-organized book, it still surprises me with information after over 25 years. I wish it were still in print - I'd give one to my daughter-in-law!

Without a doubt, the best general cookbook in or out of print. I received this book as a wedding present in 1980 and it is still my favorite. Recipes are presented in alphabetical order and are a cinch to look up. Got a bushel of apples and don't know what to fix? Look under apples and find pages of recipes.

This book should be reprinted for the next generation.

Who says nostalgia ain't what it used to be? This book is a heart-warming experience for a survivor of the so-called Love Generation. It reinforces cherished memories that the Sixties was an era in which girls could be girls (or even chicks) and you could even get away with calling them that.

This book is not politically correct - and all the better for it. My only complaint is that it's not bigger. But the hundred chicks who grace its pages are treated with the worshipful respect they so richly deserve: colour illustrations, biographical notes, anecdotes - just about all you would want to know about such icons as Raquel Welch, Julie Christie, Natalie Wood, Twiggy, Britt Ekland, Ann-Margret, to name but a few.

The book is divided into categories and tends to rather heavily favour American girls, which is slightly unfortunate as the Sixties was the first truly international decade when it came to things like entertainment and glamour. And a couple of descriptions seem to be stretching a point - Jacqueline Bisset as a Bond Girl, for example, or Elizabeth Taylor as a British Babe. And everyone will have a few favourites who are not included - Charlotte Rampling, Susannah York, Gina Lollobrigida. Perhaps Chris Strodder is saving them for Volume Two. I hope so because this is a wonderful book - both for those of us who remember the Sixties and others who wish they had been there. And possibly also for those who were there but can't remember it.

A great chick book that even some chicks will enjoy - if only to marvel over the fashions.

I've been stuck at the swinginchicks.com website all night, fascinating stuff. But how, how, did the author possibly leave out the stylish and trend-setting and beautiful Marilyn McCoo of the 5th Dimension, who won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '68???? Anyone out there agree?

I remember looking at the author's Swingin' Chicks of the 60's web site in '98, and thinking, Man, this would make a great book, if it was handled right. This book has not only been handled right, it's been handled superbly.

The packaging and design of this book, a little over 200 pages, is perfect (hey, it's got Ann-Margret on the cover, so to me at least, it's perfect)- colorful, with those groovy 60's flowers all inside and out. It's also a great price for a paperback of coffee-table book quality. I may sound like a pimp saying that, but take a look at what other books of the same quality and size cost and you'll appreciate it.

Each chick has such a nice section devoted to them that if you're only really into, say, Barbara Eden and Julie Newmar, it's worth picking up just for that... and you'll probably find yourself reading the rest of the book anyway, discovering chicks you never knew about, or chicks you had only seen before but never found out their name. You liked that chick in the Elvis Movie Spinout , the tomboy drummer who fell for him? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about Deborah Walley (filed under "the beach girls" section of the book).
Nearly all of them get a two page spread.

Each swingin' chick's section includes photos (some of the chicks actually loaned the author personal photos from their collection) most in color, Her Swingin' 60's Credentials (briefly explaining why they've been included in the book), Workin' It, (describing their career) behind the scenes (their personal life) and important dates in the 60's for each chick. It also includes my favorite to read, Her 60's Look, describing their personal style. Most of them have bonus swingability sections including their real name (they get extra points for changing their name) and little known facts (Raquel Welch supposedly almost became a Bond Girl and signed for Thunderball, but bowed out). If you're really a fan of the chick, you might know most of them, but I consider myself pretty well informed about Sophia Loren, and never knew until I read the book that she was originally going to play the love interest in North by Northwest instead of Eva Marie Saint. If the chick has a web site, the URL is included-- you'd be surprised how many of them have official web sites and not just fan or tribute sites.

The 60's chicks are diced up into categories, by the way, so the book has sections for The Beach Girls, The Bond Beauties, The Elvis Girls! Girls! Girls!, The Look, The Movie Stars (a section for the all-americans such as Stella Stevens and another section for the British invasion)The TV Stars, and way more than I have the energy to type out. It's obvious that a lot of care went into this book; not only does the author genuinely care about each chick, and discuss them with the respect they deserve that is sorely lacking from many similar books, but it's incredibly well researched and documented. In most articles or features about Ann-Margret, I usually find a mistake. Here, I discover Ann-Margret and longtime husband Roger Smith's first date was to see Ike and Tina Turner show (talk about a date you wish you had double dated on). Though I thought I'd read most of the biographies and books about the area, there's a selected bibliography that included books I never knew existed that I'm gonna be running to the library with a list of.

Into Angie Dickinson? There's a great foreword where she answers 20 questions, and thank God, the author asked all the right ones (what was the best party she attended in the 60's, for instance) The interview, and the book itself, just make me feel everything I do when I immerse myself in that time: how incredibly cool everyone looked, how great the music was, how fun and entertaining the movies were, and the little bit of sadness I get knowing that the decade is over, and there'll never be another one like it, including the wake-up jolt that these women don't look like this anymore (though some of them, like Julie Newmar and Barbara Eden, come pretty damn close) and are in their late 50's or older. Angie Dickinson says she has a favorite 60's pink crocheted mini dress, which doesn't fit anymore but she loves to look at it.

The only omissions I can think of are Yvonne DiCarlo (Lily Munster) though it wouldn't surprise me if she's in there and I just spaced out and missed it, and Candy Johnson (main go-go girl from most of the beach party movies-- if you've seen her, you won't forget her), which I can't fault the author for because trust me, I've dug and dug and spent hours on the net trying to find info for and coming up with absolutely zip other than her filmography. I got all excited when the IMDB had some brief info on her, only to find out they had her mixed up with another actress of the same name.

Maybe one of the best compliments I can give this books is that, if someone asked me, 'so why are you so into the 60's?' I could hand them this book and all they'd have to do is flip through it briefly before saying, 'Oh. Okay." If you're at all into 60's pop culture, even mildly interested, this book is worth picking up. If you're really into 60's pop culture, you probably already have it. If you don't (shame!) go to your favorite online bookstore right now, and pick up a copy fast. You'll be blown away.

Groovy.

As a reference for thorny grammar questions from advanced students, it's fine but as a classroom book, it's too detailed and too advanced. I have a copy but I rarely use it - the Intermediate and my ol' favorite, Beginning Grammar in Use are usually better suited for my lessons.

Improving your grammatical skills may be very important for several reasons, one of which is to foster your overall language competence. The primary strength of this book is the fact it cotains both lucid explanations and numerous exercises to check your comprehension. In order to ensure understanding, simple explanations of rather advanced elements of grammar have been provided. By the time you master this book, you will have dramatically improved your grammatical skills. I guarantee that! Are you unsure when to use the past perfect vs past simple? What about the proper use of auxiliaries and modal verbs? Pronouns and prepositions? Gerunds and participles? Word order? Definitely a valuable book.

it is just very very useful book for people who study english as a second languge. perfect , orgnized , and useful.