Dictionary Reviews

While studying early greek "Christian Forfathers" and their lives and influences, ALOT of names get mentioned. When such a name is mentioned you think to yourself..: "who is this?", "why did the author mention this person?, what context should I look at this in?" Often times proper understanding behind the names mentioned can be the key that opens the door to context. I bought this book And it's companion
(ISBN: 0062700561) The Harper Encyclopedia of Military History From 3500BC to the Present (from a third party vendor). Niether one have let me down in accuracy or thoroughness. And has repeatedly helped me achieve a more accurate view of history itself as well as how it has been shaped by militarys. A 'must have' for any home library.

One thing about it, this book and "maybe" another one would replace all those biographies that take up too much room on one's bookshelf (especially mine). I especially like it when a good majority of our nation's military leaders (those on the Joint Chiefs) are included when no other volume even comes close. Great job, Colonel, and also outstanding work, Mr. Johnson

I have studied Military History for quite some time, and have always wanted a "quick reference" book for each figure in history. A lot of times, I will be watching a movie, and they will mention "General whoever" or another figure, and I jump up, grab this book, and read a brief history on the person involved.

This book is excellent in that respect. Do not buy this book for an in depth look at different personalities of military history. However, for a quick reference, this book cannot be beat. It is quite extensive, and seems to be unbiased in it's opinions of the people involved.

This book is a terrific classic -- a listing of definitions, "laws" if you will, that are really almost self-evident in childhood. Each page contains a collection of drawings that illustrate the definition of something. The illustrations tend to show the early Sendak style, but in this book, there is essentially no overwhelming background -- each boy or girl or dog is illustrated in black and white (or beige). Each picture is self-contained, but there is some flow to the text on certain pages.

It's difficult to describe this book, but there is really a separate level for adults in these definitions that makes this an enjoyable read for parent and child. For the adult, this book evokes the simplest play of childhood and a return to certain basic principles that were probably totally accepted and later forgotten. I don't know why, but this is an overlooked classic. I can't think of another book like this.

Or maybe it's me that picks out the book over and over at bedtime. I was really touched the other day when my 5-year-old son helped my 3-year-old son zip his jacket, looked at me and said "a brother is to help." A great book that everyone should read.

My girlfriend got this book as a Christmas present, and I picked it up and read it. We don't know why it isn't listed with the zen books! Simple, profound truths about the world we live in: dishes are to do.

There is a sign in my kitchen that reads, "My collection of cookbooks is far superior to my cooking." OK, I admit it, I'm hooked on cookbooks. But if I could have only one, it would be the comprehensive Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Cooking. It combines over 200 alphabetically-organized food entries with useful information on nutritional and caloric value, availability, storage and preparation facts and is illustrated with dozens of full-color photographs. Fortunately I gave one to each of my children as they married, but I sure would buy more as gifts for anyone who cooks - or likes to read about it!

This is an excellent cookbook. The recipes are easy to follow, simple and are result oriented. I think it is a great fool proof cookbook with many of the best recipes that our mothers used. Bread pudding, no bake chocolate cookies, wonderful bread recipes. Simply a must have cookbook.

This cookbook is thorough and easy to follow. My only problem is that it is nearly impossible to find. I have been looking for it to give as a gift. It would benefit a seasoned cook or a beginner with the easy to follow directions and illustrations.

PERO QUE FUNCIONA !
NI cuenta te das de como se te va metiendo el inglés en la memoria...
EXCELENTE MAESTRA! EXCELENTE MÉTODO!

te evita gastos de excuelas y academias...Y si ya sabes algo de inglés, como fue mi caso, LO MEJORA ENORMEMENTE ! Te da más vocabulario y flexibilidad al hablar !

es un GRAN MÉTODO, realmente te permite aprender inglés FACILITO Y SIN MAESTRO !

Siendo que soy flojón para estudiar, le recomiendo este libro a las personas que tengan prisa por aprender y poco tiempo para invertir

Great reference material on any and every subject you can think of in the Bible. This is definitly worth the price, if you're a serious Bible student, having this comprehensive work on your bookshelf would be an invaluable asset!

Highly Recomended!

As a pastor, I find the ISBE a wonderful tool, not only for study but for ideas. Material from articles on subjects like "peace" or "conscience" provide information and insights not available elsewhere.

The ISBE contributors represent various evangelical positions. The set often includes articles that are barely evangelical, contributors frequently holding to inspiration but not inerrancy. Though I find myself more conservative than many of the contributors, I find the insights invaluable and the thinking scholarly. There's not a lot of the same old same old surface info, but depth and even some original thinking.

Highly reommended for students of the Word, with a note of caution to those of us on the conservative end of evangelicalism.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you want to know the one book or set of books that should be a requirement for a Christian who is serious about his faith, then ISBE would be it. Yes, it's a little expensive. And yes, it is available on CD-ROM along with other Bible programs. (What an asset!) But, there is no substitute to having the real thing available on hard copy. (The computer screen can only last so long on one's eyes.) This encylopedia covers just about every biblical subject in a scholarly manner. You will have experts on the field to rely on for the articles you research. Well worth its weight in gold. Buy it now!

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

I own a lot of Spanish dictionaries, and this is one of my favorites. Although an advanced user of Spanish will need something a bit more extensive, this dictionary is perfect for those who are just starting out.

This dictionary provides especially thorough coverage of the idioms and derivative uses of each word. For example, under the entry "plomo" (lead), the authors included the entry "gasolina sin plomo" (unleaded gas). Under the entry "plaza", you find "la plaza mayor" (the main square) and "una plaza de toros" (a bullring)

While this may sound like a minor point, the inclusion of such items really benefits the beginner who is trying to build a functional Spanish vocabulary as soon as possible.

The visual layout of the dictionary is also good. Blue lettering is used for main entries, and derivative entries are bulleted, so that they don't all run together (a common failing of many dictionaries).

By far this is the best and easiest dictionary for high school students to use. A self-instructional section at the beginning shows students how to use a billingual dictionary and look for the exact meaning of the word they wish to find. With other dictionaries, students have come up with very bizarre translations, but this dictionary will help them to catch the nuances that go with a language. I have several copies myself and have recommended it to all my students.

Harper Collins has a long history of providing students of world languages with dictionaries that, in addition to being reasonably comprehensive, have the cleanest, most transparent design on the market, and combine those features with affordable prices. The new (2001) Beginner's Harper Collins is no exception. Although it is a reference likely meant for first- and second-year students, and therefore is NOT as comprehensive as more advanced learner's dictionaries may be, it seems quite sufficient for that level.

The two-color design makes it easy to distinguish between keywords; each new meaning of the same word is underlined and begins on a new line. Explanations are clear, and provide not just basic meanings of words, but also usage patterns - a feature which is very helpful, and usually NOT found in similar, basic dictionaries. And so the English TO DEPEND is not only translated as Spanish DEPENDER, but also includes prepositional extention (DEPEND ON = DEPENDER DE), with an example (The price depends on the quality = El precio depende de la calidad); additional meanings and prepositional usage are explained through clear examples: You can depend on him = Puedes contar con él; DEPENDING ON in the sense of SEGÚN has not only an example (depending on the weather = según el tiempo que haga) but also a color-highlighted usage note (según has to be followed by a verb in the subjunctive).

The authors had enough common sense (unlike those of some competing dictionaries) to list only the most usual, frequent meanings, leaving out confusing details. And so, commendably, TO REALIZE is simply rendered as DARSE CUENTA, without listing the existing, but misleading verb REALIZAR (correct, although in the sense TO FULFILL and not TO BECOME AWARE OF); an appropriate usage structure is given as well: to realize that = darse quenta de que, plus there is a sentence: Nos dimos cuenta de que algo iba mal.

Usage notes scattered generously on the pages are a very helpful and unique feature; and so the entry for AN EAGLE not only gives ÁGUILA, but also highlights with a blue boxed background: "Although it's a feminine noun, remember that you use el and un with águila." Quite impressive in a BEGINNER'S dictionary!

There is a good and sufficient, although brief intro. on how to use a dictionary, followed by a few useful check exercises. The reference part includes irregular verb charts, as well as sections on telephone, e-mail, traditional correspondence, numbers, dates and telling time, and a list of common false cognates ("falsos amigos"). In the text of the dictionary all irregular verbs are clearly marked with an *, although finding the conjugation may have been made easier if they also had a pattern number listed in the entry, without requiring a second search in the the irregular verb section.

I can't resist mentioning the paper, although it may seem trivial to some readers: unlike so many pocket-size dictionaries, this one is printed on good, smooth, crisp white paper, NOT the yellowish and coarse newsprint which unfortunately is the common fare of most dictionaries in this price range .... Two-color print is another visual asset, although sadly it has not been used to its maximum advantage (e.g., irregular verb forms in the conjugation patterns could have been highlighted in color,increasing the visibility, without any additional printing cost).

Overall, for the first and second year students of Spanish (and equally for the Spanish-speaking students of English as a FL), this is the dictionary of choice, with little competition currently on the market among bilingual dictionaries (beginner's Spanish-only Diccionario Escolar VOX, ISBN 0844279803, ... would be a great companion to this title beginning at 2nd year level). One should note, however, that most serious students of language will outgrow the scope of this vocab by the end of their second year of (college) study.

When I came across this adorable book in (where else) Bookland, I was immediatly charmed. Being a Hello Kitty fan, I would have been charmed anyway, but even people who have never heard of this too cute feline would delight in this book. In this small pink volume, Hello Kitty travels to many different countries, learning some new vocabulary. Also along the way, Kitty teaches readers to say "hello" in many different languages, such as chinese, french, and japanese. Even though this book is aimed at children ages 4-8, I recommend it to anyone in the mood for a charming and alluring read. Hey, it even comes with four cute postcards, a bookmark, and three Hello Kitty luggage tags. Also, if you like this book, look for other Hello Kitty books. Enjoy!

I love this little book of happiness. I have been a Hello Kitty fan since I was 8 years old, and this book only confirms that Hello Kitty cares about everyone! From Germany to Mexico she travels along and tells you about her journey. Expect to be dazzled by happy colors, cute drawings, and all Hello Kitty goodness. See Hello Kitty dressed in a African costume, a Kimono, a Dutch costume and more. See foods, bulidings, and landmarks from all over the world. A family treasure (it's hardback so a real keeper) to be passed down to generations of little girls who have or will grow up on Hello Kitty like I did. AWESOME!

Who *doesn't* love Hello Kitty? Supercute Sanrio cartoon spokeskitten gazes at you with her round black eyes, red bow askew on her left ear, from thousands of Sanrio products ranging from backpacks and stickers to the Hello Kitty toaster (highly recommended) and bathmat (almost too cute to use!) While this isn't Hello Kitty's first foray into the book field, it's certainly the most attractive.

Basically plotless but attractively designed, each colorful two-page spread takes Hello Kitty from country to country, dressing her up in native costume (you've not lived until you've seen Hello Kitty in a Mexican 'Day of the Dead' mask) and showing off various food, animals, objects and places from that country, and a friendly way to say "hello!" in that country's language. My only disappointment? Hello Kitty doesn't visit England (she *lives* there already, if you follow the Sanrio official backstory).

A pronunciation and translation guide in the back helps you through saying what you've seen in the book, and punch-out Hello Kitty postcards, luggage tag and bookmark are a fun extra bonus!

The beauty of this book is its dual appeal: not only will it be fun for very young children to learn about other countries, but the appeal of the character and her wonderfully simple but smile-inspiring design has made Hello Kitty the most popular Japanese import since Godzilla. Whether you enjoy this as a simple kids' book or a giggle-inspiring camp item, you can't deny the gentle and happy appeal of Hello Kitty. And hey, it's easier to display on a shelf than that Hello Kitty vacuum cleaner or the Hello Kitty spatula.

As a teacher of Taiji I often find my beginners classes full of people who have no other Martial Arts experience nor even take any other form of exercise - making the teaching of the complex movements and concepts of Taiji quite a challenge! One of my teaching tricks has been to have the pupils come up for their own descriptive names for the movements which, while useful and indeed entertaining, does result in some of the flavor and meaning being lost. This book, with it's breakdown and explanation of the elements of the Chinese characters, will allow teachers and pupils alike to understand the meanings of the names and their inferred movement concepts while still allowing the reader to use his/her creative imagination to reach a deeper level of understanding and retention. And as if that's not enough, it's an entertaining read. A winner!

This great book gives a lot of valuable background information about the meaning of the Taiji movements. It adds much to taijiquan lessons thanks to its light-hearted look. Much too often taijiquan practitioners do not exactly know what the movements mean they practice. Diving into a Chinese dictionary is not easy either. My Chinese teacher explained a lot, but language often was some sort of a barrier. Thanks to Jane Schorre's book this barrier has gone. Further the book contains beautiful calligraphy by Marget Chang in a large size. I like the structure of the book; left side calligraphy, right side explanation. This book is a must for every taijiquan practitioner no matter the style.

It is not absolutely necessary to understand the origins and meanings of the movement names in taijiquan. But it sure is fun! This book scratches an itch. It informs without boring. It is added insight for the student of taijiquan, but it tickles as it goes down.

Each time I get a new Hispanic student with limited English proficiency, I purchase a copy of this book for him. My ESL students are all incarcerated men with various educational backgrounds. Even those students who have very limited skill in reading Spanish have found this book helpful. One student carried the removable fold-up phrase card in his pocket daily for a couple of months. I would not suggest using this text as the sole teaching material in a classroom setting, but it can serve as an invaluable teaching/learning aid.

This is an excellent book for teaching hispanic children and/or adults to learn alot of basic English language. It gives good examples and utilizes them in situations so the pupil may learn at their own pace.

I have taught Spanish for a long time and this is excellent for the Adult students I am now teaching English.

I found this book to be extremely helpful in properly pronouncing japanese words and phrases. I've purchased several books on learning to speak Japanese and find myself constantly referring to "Instant Japanese" by Boye De Mente when I'm unsure of the correct pronounciation. In addition, the size is perfect to carry around in your purse or pocket!

Highly recommended!

This is one of the best beginning books on Japanese that I've seen. Mr. Demente's "learn 100 words" theory is fantastic. If you're going to Japan and don't intend to spend hours in serious study of Japanese but would like to communicate basic ideas, I'd recommend this book. Plus, like others noted, this book easily fits into your pocket.

I just got back from a two-week vacation in Japan, where I used several books in an attempt to improve my miniscule knowledge of Japanese. This book was the best of a good lot; the word selection is excellent, and the book teaches sufficient grammar almost effortlessly; most important, it's small enough to finish fairly quickly. Of course, it's only a start--for a second book, I recommend "Japanese Made Easy" by Tazuko Ajiro Monane.

Even if you thoroughly learn the content of this book, though, you still want to carry around a phrase book for those (frequent) times when 100 words just isn't enough. De Mente's book will teach you enough Japanese so that you can make simple sentences without looking up every word, but you will still need words not in this book.

[Minor complaints: he spells the word "o" (pronounced "o") with the old spelling "wo" throughout the book, for no apparent reason. Also, an index would have been nice.]

In short, the book is superb for its one intended purpose, which is teaching a very basic, careful selection of Japanese--an "instant" introduction.