Latin - English dictionary

JohnCain · Post by **JohnCain** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:48 am

I am looking for a good Latin - English dictionary. I have a small paper back version at the moment - nowhere near adequate and pages already falling out after less than a years use!
I dont mind paying for quality - I bought a 2 volume Shorter Oxford English Dictionary back in the 1960s - use it regularly and its still in good nick.

There seems to be a few around but would be interested in your thoughts/experiences.

Thanks

Deses · Post by **Deses** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:30 am

Oxford Latin Dictionary is the best. If you venture beyond Classical Latin have a look at Lewis and Short. It's old, but good. In fact, if money is no object it is a good idea to have both OLD an L&S. For everyday needs I'd recommend Cassell's hard cover Latin dictionary.

I am not entirely sure what two-volume dictionary you are talking about.

Chris Weimer · Post by **Chris Weimer** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:20 pm

If you want something affordable, since OLD and L&S, I recommend Chambers-Murray Latin-English dictionary. It's far superior to Cassell's, but doesn't have an English-Latin section.

Deses · Post by **Deses** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:06 pm

I will agree about Chambers-Murray, but it seems to be not as well published as Cassell's.

JohnCain · Post by **JohnCain** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 6:21 am

Thanks for that - have ordered the Chambers - Murray and will take it from there.
The point I was making about my SOD was that after 40+ years use the pages are not falling out!

Chris Weimer · Post by **Chris Weimer** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 5:11 am

I use my Chambers-Murray almost daily, and it's still fine, although I do know of a friend who took it to get a hardcover for it.

JohnCain · Post by **JohnCain** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 6:10 am

Have had my Chambers Murray Dictionary now for a week or so and am generally very satisfied - thanks for the recommendation.

I have found fully understanding the format of the entries a bit of a challenge ie the 1 A B a etc but am getting used to it. Quite a good learning tool if you have a few minutes while having a break. Choose a word and try to work out the meanings of all the citations
Leads to a sort of chain reaction!
John

Kimble · Post by **Kimble** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 4:19 pm

I use "The New College Latin & English Dictionary" by John C. Taupman, Ph.D. c.1966 Bantam.

I picked it up at an antiquarian book store for a couple of bucks.

Moerus · Post by **Moerus** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:50 pm

Hi there, I will maybe not give you the exspected solution, but a not expensive one. You can find L&S on Perseus or download it from this site: http://www.areopage.net/a32.htm. Anyway if you download L&S you have at least a temporal solution till you find a dictionary of your choice.

Vale,

Moerus

Chris Weimer · Post by **Chris Weimer** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:06 pm

JohnCain wrote:Have had my Chambers Murray Dictionary now for a week or so and am generally very satisfied - thanks for the recommendation.

I have found fully understanding the format of the entries a bit of a challenge ie the 1 A B a etc but am getting used to it. Quite a good learning tool if you have a few minutes while having a break. Choose a word and try to work out the meanings of all the citations
Leads to a sort of chain reaction!
John

I'm glad you enjoy Chambers-Murray! The citations and etymology help profusely.

enyafan713 · Post by **enyafan713** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:08 pm

I have John Traupman's "The New College Latin and English Dictionary" in paperback, and it is in abhorrent shape. That was my first dictionary, and I got it before I began taking Latin at my High School (I'm in 11th Grade) three years ago.
I also have two coppies of "Collins Latin Dictionary" in paperback, and this is an EXCELLENT dictionary.
My favourite dictionary is the "Oxford Latin Desk Dictionary," which I use daily. Love it!

Optationes Optimae,

Brina