Cassell's Latin Dictionary: Latin-English, English-Latin (Hardcover)

by D. P. Simpson (Author)
Key Phrases: hence subst, hence adj, objective genit, Asia Minor, Aegean Sea, Gallia Belgica (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Since its first appearance in 1854 and through many revisions this dictionary has remained constant in its appeal to scholars.

“This new and revised Latin Dictionary is among the best of its kind, being reliable, compact and adequate for the needs of all save the specialist. He has produced what is in effect a new book, typographically easy to consult and combining elegance with utility.” -The Times Literary Supplement

This edition

• Incorporates modern English idiom and current Latin spelling.
• Includes general classical information where appropriate.
• Shows long and short vowels where not immediately apparent.
• Indicates irregular plural forms.
• Cites and quotes ancient classical authors.
• Suggests paraphrases to express modern English in classical Latin form.

Language Notes
Text: English, Latin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 912 pages
• Publisher: Cassell's; Indexed edition (October 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0025225804
• ISBN-13: 978-0025225800
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,311 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 123 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A cost-effective resource, September 16, 1997

By A Customer

While net nearly as detailed as the great OLD, it is certainly a fair, cost-effective alternative. The exmaples from various authors showing the particular word in context is helpful to both the student reading Latin and also the student of Latin Composition. While probably not the best reference for graduate-level study, it is certainly a very good resource for the undergraduate searching for a good Latin dictionary, yet unable to afford the OLD. I have three Latin-English dictionaries--the Pocket OLD, the New College Latin & English Dictionary, and Cassell's Latin Dictionary--and Cassell's stands paramount in relation to the former two.

79 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Verbum!, July 6, 2004

By	FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

The Cassell's Latin-English Dictionary has a long history. First published in 1854, it has continued in publication under various editors and revisions to the present text, the work of D.P. Simpson, Head of the Classics Department at Eton during the middle of the twentieth century. This book remains for all but the most advanced scholars in Latin the principle Latin dictionary. Clerics, students and general readers of the classics use this volume more than any other. There are other editions (concise editions, etc.), but this is primary volume for standard use.

The dictionary has two sections, a Latin-English side, and an English-Latin side. The Latin-English side contains a primary vocabulary of classical Latin, most words used and found in writings between 200 BCE and 100 AD/CE. There are also proper nouns (names, places). Spelling was flexible in the ancient world; the spelling here follows the conventional modern spellings, with cross-references for significant variances. Words indicate definitions, declension or conjugation as appropriate, and some pronunciation guides. Latin authors are also indicated (in abbreviation) for almost every word.

The English-Latin side is primarily useful for prose composition into Latin of the classical type. Because of the natural growth of language due to progress of technology and ideas, many English words will not be found, as there are no Latin equivalents. Latin equivalent words are taken largely from Cicero, Caesar and Livy, with some additions from legal and ecclesiastical Latin.

There are additional sections for standard Latin abbreviations, the Roman calendar, bibliographies for word lists, atlases, general antiquities, and Latin language guides. This is the best choice for a Latin dictionary for almost any purpose. Even high-end scholars will want the Cassell's for ready and easy reference.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars By Far the Best, September 26, 2002

By	David Lamari (London, ON Canada) - See all my reviews

This is the only satisfactory "intermediate" Latin dictionary for the student who has just finished basic grammar and wants to read actual Latin authors. No other dictionary provides such a comprehensive overview of meanings at such an affordable price and attractive layout. Lewis' "Elementary Latin Dictionary" is by comparison twice as expensive and painful on the eyes. In addition, this Cassell Latin Dictionary has a more than adequate (although very brief) English to Latin dictionary for those who wish to compose in Latin themselves.

For any student who wants to appreciate the Latin language, and how it changed over time, Cassell is by far the best buy (short of purchasing the [more expensive]Oxford Latin Dictionary).