Dictionary recommendations needed

[chrisqqgx4]

I have always been a Concise Oxford myself, but I'm giving that away and so need a replacement.

Any recommendations? The crossworders swear by Chambers, but I'm tempted by the two volume Shorter Oxford.

Must be hardback. And I'm after an "English" dictionary, not an "American English" one. Not that I want to start a flame war about that thorny topic.

[richardm]

I use the Shorter Oxford myself. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[wollery]

Originally posted by chrisqqgx4
I have always been a Concise Oxford myself, but I'm giving that away and so need a replacement.

Any recommendations? The crossworders swear by Chambers, but I'm tempted by the two volume Shorter Oxford.

Must be hardback. And I'm after an "English" dictionary, not an "American English" one. Not that I want to start a flame war about that thorny topic. Chambers is indeed an excellent dictionary, and I speak as another crossworder (neologism, cool!). At work I have a Collins dictionary that I inherited which is also pretty good. I'm afraid that I've never used an Oxford Shorter so I can't comment.

[roger]

Here's (http://www.mantex.co.uk/reviews/diction.htm) a good review of the varioius dictionaries. I have a Chamber's myself - I like their no-nonsense definitions of words. However, this review site does a good job of evaluating which dictionary you might want for specific tasks.

[hgc]

If you happen to be buying a paperback dictionary, make sure it has etymologies before you choose.

[Rat]

I without a doubt always buy Oxford. I once got a Chambers concise, and the lack of etymology really put me off.

I have the Oxford Encyclopaedic from about ten years ago, and the Oxford Concise from about five. It's about time for a new one, and I may go for the Oxford Shorter.

I am also a cruciverbalist (come on, you must know that one), and the Oxford always does me just fine for the Times. I'm not clever enough for the Listener, so I don't know about that.

Cheers,
Rat.

[gnome]

I think it was someone here (can't remember whom) when talking about a definition, advised someone to look it up in a good dictionary, and then added "Hint: If you can lift it with one hand, it's not a good dictionary"

I still think of that when I look at large hardbound dictionaries. :D

[sorgoth]

This doesn't fit what you're looking for, as it isn't hardback, or any back at all, but I love www.dictionary.com . Quick, tons of info but easy to separate the exact definition from all the other stuff, and great for getting the definition without getting up.

[chrisqqgx4]

Thanks for all the help. It looks like the Shorter Oxford for me.