This is primarily a comparison between the Oxford Russian Dictionary (hardbound) and the Collins Russian Concise Dictionary (softbound). For those of you who prefer brevity, I'll say now - Oxford is my preference. Those who want details, read below. I have also divided it among three principal categories: size, bonus features, and a combined closing comparison, or basis for reasoning. No, I don't feel as though it needed to go further. It is a dictionary - they will all serve the same primary purpose, so I hope it is understandable I don't critique every entry cover to cover. If you need a dictionary, they will both work fine, but I'm highlighting advantages between the two.
SIZE
Oxford
It's big. It's heavy. From top of spine to bottom, 10-7/16", cover to spine, 7-5/8", and depth at covers, 2-1/4" (sizes approximate, obviously). I don't have an accurate scale to weigh the book, but it's rather hefty, certainly several pounds. Yes, most dictionaries are primarily used for reference, but this one says it in bold italicized letters. No, you're probably not going to want to carry it to classes with you. No, it's certainly not something you can slip in your purse or briefcase for some vocabulary review during your morning commute. You put this book on a desk or bookshelf in your home, and you use it when necessary or studying. That being said, it will obviously be more hardy than Collins.
Collins
Size is rather small, all things considered. It IS a dictionary after all. The dimensions (again, spine to bottom, cover to spine, and depth cover to cover, and approximate) are 7-3/4", 5-1/8", and 2-3/16", weighing in at what I would guess to be just over a pound, which I think we can deduce isn't due largely to the smaller size, but rather being paperback. On the subject of paperback, I'm not a fan of them if hardbound is available, but I will say the Collins paperback has a nice laminate cover feel on the outside, so I didn't complain too much. It's size and weight do make it more mobile, and I would carry it daily on my person and study during downtime.
ADVANTAGE - depends entirely on utility. If you want a fantastic shelf reference, something you can place on a desk and really buckle down and study, Oxford all the way. It obviously lays down flat with no need to keep one hand securing the book open and one hand writing. If you want a convenient book that can accompany you on the go, Collins is what you want.
BONUS FEATURES
Oxford
This is one area where Oxford shines. Naturally it contains a glossary of grammatical terms, some basic grammar rules, listing of verbs, etc. Where I was most impressed was the area between the Russian and English sections - example letters, resumes, emails, etc. I felt this was a nice touch. It covered everything Collins did, and then took it a step further. Even more impressive is how it is current with the times in including - brace yourself for this - common acronyms for computer/SMS messaging (the slang commonly used today, such as, "brb", "gtg" etc.) and even computer usage. Yes, the, "File", "Edit", "View", and other common toolbar actions are translated in one logical area. This alone would have me suggest Russian students interested in learning English to purchase the Oxford version. It will require the least outside referencing.
Collins
Collins disappointed me greatly with their bonus features. No, it wasn't due to it being so poor, and I could even forgive the book for having a very short grammatical reference - if you're studying Russian, chances are you've picked up several books already dedicated to that. What disappointed me was reading the product description touting to have a, "250 page grammatical reference at the back". The reality? It's a BLATANT lie. The book, in TOTAL, may have 25 pages of grammatical reference, and certainly does not contain the extras Oxford does. To say it's extremely deceptive is an understatement, and I'm surprised the product description is allowed to remain intact as-is on Amazon, because it's extremely dishonest and unfair to you customers who may intend to use it as both grammatical reference and vocabulary expansion. If you are one of those people, you WILL be disappointed. Fair warning.
ADVANTAGE - without a doubt, Oxford. It contains all the grammatical reference Collins presents, plus some nice bonuses on top of that. Whether or not you want or even care to see example cover letters and SMS/instant messenger slang, it IS nice to know it's available should you change your mind.
VERDICT
Before I get into this, there is the issue of price. Collins is significantly cheaper, running at about $13, while Oxford will set you back between $35-40 (as of this writing). If price is your deciding factor, this should tell you what to do. If I may suggest and you can afford it, get both. As I said, one has a mobile factor for days you're on the go. It's also never bad to have something you can cross-reference with, aside from Google Translate (and I do not suggest that in most cases). Oxford has large print for ease of reading, and it offers more detailed definitions. Where Oxford suffered was in the same area as Collins in that some of the examples seemed archaic and unnatural and occasionally didn't offer up what I needed. Both demonstrate clear United Kingdom intent, which is fine, but having conversed with many a few Brits, if we heard anyone use some of these phrases we would both raise an eyebrow and look confused towards each other, and that's where the four-star came into play.
At the end of the day, I would still say Collins is a solid three-star and by no means a poor purchase. Again, they'll both serve you well no matter your choice, though I just feel the Oxford version offers more depth and utility, but yes, at a steeper price tag. Hope this helps anyone in doubt! Feel free to ask if you have more questions!
ISBN-13: 978-0198614203
ISBN-10: 0198614209
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One disadvantage of this dictionary: voluminous and heavy.
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