Customer Reviews

Cassell's Latin Dictionary: Latin-English, English-Latin

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

This is a great dictionary for students who are past the introductory college level, and are reading Latin prose and poetry; or other readers who need a dictionary more extensive than a pocket edition. Each entry contains pronounciation, numerous examples, usage by Latin authors, and some word etymology.

As a student, and taking Latin for my 3rd year, I found that Cassell's Latin Dictionary was the most helpful thing I had come across, and I wish that I had sooner! Every word comes equipt with all of the information about it! From pronunciation, to history of the word! It is an excellent dictionary and I reccomend it for all.

I am no expert Latinist. In fact, I'm only a third year student. But I needed a dictionary, so I took a gamble and picked this one up on Amazon about six months ago based on the reviews and low cost (always important to student-types).

I'm happy to report that I've found it to be just perfect for my purposes. The book is constructed well, and doesn't seem like it's going to fall apart with heavy use. Nearly all of the word entries have examples of usage from Cicero, Virgil, Horace, etc., which has come in handy once or twice.

The only thing I've found lacking from this dictionary is that some of the more "colorful" language that crops up from time to time, notably in Catullus 16, 41, and 57, has been left out. Otherwise, it has my vote (for what that's worth).

Did you study Latin in high school or/and in college? Are you currently a Latin student at the high school or college level? If so, this is the perfect dictionary for you. All of the other Latin dictionaries are either too brief or just more than non-Latin-scholars need. (If you'd like a practical unabridged Latin dictionary, I strongly recommend "A Latin Dictionary" (Lewis and Short). I purchased the latter from Amazon and you should likewise be able to do so.)

Anyhow, this is a great reference for general and home use!

This is an outstanding dictionary. For those having progressed beyond the most basic level of Latin, and in need of something better than a pocket dictionary, this is the clear choice. It is inexpensive, the binding is excellent (it can be laid open, flat on a table), it gives clear, logical definitions (nicely distinguishing between "literal" and "transferred" meanings) and includes many references to Roman authors. Also, the English-Latin section is indispensible for those wishing to do composition. Ultimately, of course, one would like to have the Oxford Latin Dictionary-- but this is very expensive, very bulky, and will give more information on a word than what an intermediate Latin student would even want.

I have only one quibble (which is the only reason I do not give five stars). The editors have shied away from marking hidden vowels long or short. They have marked vowels long or short only as they have been strictly shown to be by scansion of Latin poetry or in obvious compounds. In this they have taken a very conservative approach. The best that one can say is that at least they have been consistent. One can accept that there is scholarly disagreement in certain cases, and that editors might not wish to commit themselves. On the other hand, if I am a relative beginner, and I want to know whether a particular vowel in a certain word should be long or short, where else should I look except in my dictionary?

But this is a relatively minor quibble (and many other dictionaries have the same problem). Overall, this dictionary is certainly better than any of its rivals at this level, and is highly recommended.

I am very pleased with the Cassell's Latin Dictionary. It has been of the upmost help as I have been trying to translate Tacitus. It provides mulitple meanings for words in order for you to find the one of best fit. It is a great product and very high quality. I would recommend it for anyone in a college Latin class. It was actually recommended by my professor and most of my classmates also use it. It is very highly regarded.

In my opinion The New College Latin & English Dictionary is much better than Cassel's. The definitions are solie and the charts in the front are indespensible to the undergraduate or even begining graduate student. Cassel's may have changed since the last time I used it. However, when comparing my New College to a friends Cassel's we were much more impressed with The New College. I've recomended it to the students I have worked with based on those factors and sealed the deal by mentioning that it even costs less (usually around $6!).

As customary in Germany,highschool begins at age ten and lasts eight to nine years.My parents enrolled me in a classic education type of school("Gymnasium") with a curricukum of nine years of Latin, six years of ancient Greek in addition to at least one modern language plus German literature, Math, Physics,
Chemistry, Biology, History, Soc.Studies, Geography etc.My grandson has just entered highschool in Germany with a very similar curriculum. I purchased tyhis particular dictionary in order to be able to correspond with him in Latin and, also, to enjoy some of the classic Roman texts again. This is the best dictionary of its kind I have been able to locate.