Which Dictionary?

[paulineward]

I have a few dictionaries, and I know there is always the net, but with some Book Tokens I would like to buy a really good Dictionary/Reference Book to help with the crosswords. Which would any of you recommend?
Thanks..Pauline

[merched]

I have a copy (several years old) of The Readers Digest Universal Dictionary which is invaluable when it comes to crosswords. Don't know if it's still available though.
Secondly, my son recently bought me the latest Chambers. Both were well worth the money!

[JoolsTwo]

Well I am after a Chambers. A lot of people on here seem to think highly of it.

[paulineward]

Thanks...have noticed Chambers is mentioned several times on here. Sounds like that should be what I look for. thanks for both answering me..cheers

[kettledrum]

I thoroughly recommend Chambers. I couldn't be without it, and although I have several other dictionaries, I rarely use anything else.

[paulineward]

Thanks kettledrum...that's decided then! Off to bookshop tomorrow.

[Aquagility]

I can also recommend Cassells - I have it on CD which saves a lot of time. It's surprising how often MM's definition coincides word for word with the dictionary.

[paulineward]

Thanks...will take a look at that also..never heard of it!

[shaneystar2]

Chambers is a must ..Chambers also does a book called Crossword Lists which is pretty good.Bradfords is another must for cryptics.Another one I rely on a lot is the Oxford Thesaurus.
The Ato Z of almost everything by Trevor Montague and Pears Encyclopedia are very useful for all things Quizzy.

[paulineward]

Looks like I'll be in the bookshop for a while perusing!!!! Thanks shaneystar.
P.S. By the way..how appropriate is 3d in Sunday Cryptic (2353) for me??!!!!

[Magyar]

I also recommend Chambers, mine is a few years old now but still invaluable when it comes to crosswords.

If you've any birthday money left, the Encarta World English Dictionary CD is also extremely useful, without either of these I don't think I'd ever finish a crossword or quizword (unless it's with the help of fellow ABers of course).

[paulineward]

Thanks Magyar...seems Chambers is on top of list. Thank goodness for AB ...I agree with you!

[dwil]

Chambers. I've had various editions for years although I don't use it as much as I'm often on line and I use Online Dictionary.
Important point: Chambers is recommended by many crossword compilers.

[Ternigapp]

Hello Pauline, I've just seen your question and hope it's not too late to let you or other ABers know about what I thought was a really good price for the Chambers Dictionary.

School Link is part of The Book People and I've just bought a copy through them as a Christmas present for �9.99 (normally �30). Also, the school receives commission on any books ordered through them (I think 10%). I know that you're wanting you use your tokens but its such a good price it may be worth considering. Regards.

[Murielmci]

Make sure you get the right Chambers - not the concise, nor the compact but The Chambers Dictionary 2003 edition.
The others are very good but not quite the full thing and certainly if you ever attempt Azed or Mephisto you will need the full chambers.

It is about �30 or a bit more but you will only need to replace it if like me you wear it out!

[Murielmci]

Collins also go a good dictionary - I won one from the Times and it has proper nouns too so can be very useful when used in conjunction with the Chambers.

[Ternigapp]

Hi again, the Chambers Dictionary from School Link is the new 9th edition with 1825 pages - unfortunately I paid full price for mine last year!

[paulineward]

Thanks very much everyone....will take on board what you all say.

[paulineward]

Don't know if any of you will see this follow up, but just to let you know I am now the proud owner of a Chambers 10th edition...and after shaneystar's recommendation also a Bradfords. Am well chuffed! Hope they help me!!! Thanks for advice!!!