Customer Reviews

Chambers 21st Century Dictionary

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I am no lexicographer, but this is definitely one of the better dictionaries in terms of ease of use, layout, and print quality. It is smaller (and thus more convenient to handle) than the American Heritage or Merriam-Webster college editions but still packs almost 1,700 pages. The entries include many examples and concise, straightforward etymological notes. I particularly like this dictionary because of its clean layout, the quality of its paper, and its typeface: they make the dictionary much more readable than most dictionaries. Of course, it serves mainly British English, but American spelling is included. Definitely recommended by this reader.

This is by no means a worthy successor to the old Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary. Printed on thick paper, it has nowhere near the number of entries, has none of the interesting and charming Contents such as Correct Ceremonious Forms of Address and Supplement, and is cumbersome to the hand. Serious crossword addicts and etymologists should try Chambers English Dictionary, 1993. Out of print at the moment but worth waiting for.

I was expecting an update to Chamber's Dictionary (formerly Chambers 20th Century Dictionary) and was very disappointed. It seems that many words have disappeared from the English language as we move into the 21st Century. While easier on the eyes it does not cover as many words as the earlier edition. Don't buy this if you are looking for a good crossword puzzle dictionary.