From Library Journal
Part thesaurus, part dictionary, part glossary, part vocabulary builder, part logophile's delight, this unique wordbook can be used productively for both quick reference and browsing. The book, which first appeared as a software product for PCs under the title Inside Information (Microlytics, 1990), classifies approximately 65,000 words into seven general categories (Nature, Science and Technology, Domestic Life, Arts and Leisure, etc.), which in turn are divided into numerous subcategories and sub-subcategories. Under Eating, for instance, a major subdivision of Domestic Life, the user finds several headings, including Foods, Cooking and Cuisine, and Eating Verbs; under the last heading, such terms as bolt , chew , chow down , devour , engorge , inhale , masticate , pig out , and quaff are briefly defined. A detailed table of contents provides access to the classification scheme and an A-Z index lists all words included in the book. Sometimes the Word Menu fails. Just two examples: superlatives such as best, first-class, outstanding, topnotch, and world class are not included, nor is amniocentesis found under Pregnancy and Birth. Notwithstanding its limitations, this book is enthusiastically recommended for all libraries, even the smallest. Glazier, a brilliant amateur lexicographer who died in early 1992 at age 44, has created the first bona fide classification of the English language since the 19th century, when Peter Mark Roget, another talented amateur, made a lasting name for himself.
- Ken Kister, author of "Best Encyclopedias," Tampa, Fla.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Midwest Book Review
The Random House Word Menu offers tens of thousands of ways to find just the right word for any occasion. It blends the functions of a thesaurus (offering a myriad of interesting ways to say the same thing) with those of a dictionary (defining most of its entries) thus assuring writing that is colorful and accurate. The Random House Word Menu also provides word lists and explores the relationships between categories of words, providing a rich storehouse of information on whatever the subject may be. The Word Menu is divided into seven main sections: Nature, Science & Technology, Domestic Life, Institutions, Arts & Leisure, Language, and The Human Condition. These categories are further broken down into nearly 800 subcategories. The Random House Word Menu also contains an extensive index giving quick access to most entries. The Random House Word Menu is an invaluable tool for all writers and deserves a permanent place on every professional writer's reference shelf.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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