Excellent, September 15, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
An improvment on Lewis and Short in that it uses modern lexicographical principles. Meanings and senses are better distinguished. Notes on etymology and word formation are included. As a whole, the work is much easier to read.

As it does not include later authors, it is perhaps better used by Classicists than Medievalists, who may find medieval Latin vocabulary lacking. Thankfully for Classicists (and those using Classical texts) it does not present anachronistic distinctions in the graphs for /u/ and /w/, as well as for /i/ and /j/. In this respect, it is truer to Roman orthography and allows the student to look up 'iaceo' where it belongs, under 'i', rather than making up a letter, 'j', which was not part of the Roman alphabet.

Those who have used Lewis and Short for a long time will of course find it difficult to give up their longtime companion. However, those who take the time to acquaint themselves with the first major attempt to improve on the nineteenth century classic, should find the OLD to be a more thorough and accessible guide to Latin of the 'Golden' and 'Silver' ages.

I love using this dictionary, September 10, 2003

The Oxford Latin Dictionary is a very special dictionary.

Yes, it is expensive.

But I have found no ancient language dicitonary which can compare to it in terms of organization, clarity and fullness of example sentences. This dictionary has a format almost identical to "The Shorter Oxford ENGLISH Dictionary". In other words, it is organized like the very best of modern dictionaries. The meanings given are very good (like in the Shorter Oxford). I almost never refer to my "Lewis and Short" now that I have this -- there is NO comparision.

If you consider yourself a serious student of the language, I strongly suggest you get this dictionary. I refered to it often, even during my first semester of Latin. But if you consider yourself a lover of Latin, you simply MUST do yourself the favor of owning this beautiful work. (Buy it for yourself at Christmas! You deserve it!)

The other dictionary I use and recommend (and which I can carry around) is Cassel's Latin Dictionary.

It may be relevent (in a good or bad way) that I am a true aficionado of dictionaries. I own about 25 dictionaries (most of them english) and use them regularly. Also, I use dictionaries to find the meanings of words I don't know or don't fully know; I don't look in dictionaries "for fun". My favorite english dictionary is The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (That's the "Shorter" two-volume Oxford, not the "Compact" two-volume OED that requires a magnifying glass).

Enjoy!

The Oxford Latin Dictionary- A Must Have, September 6, 2004

There are many reasons to recommend this superb reference work, here are a few. Firstly, as to be expected, clear and accurate definitions are given for even the most obscure words. Secondly, there is high quality in the book and binding. Thirdly, the excellent type-face makes for easy reading. And lastly, there is great pleasure in adding such a seminal work in lexography to one's library.

A dictionary one actually can read!, November 20, 2003

At last! A Latin Dictionary with print big enough to read using bifocals!!! The scholarship of this work is unquestioned, as is its comprehensive character. No more looking in vain for some elusive term. Others have commented fully on the substantive wonders of this magnificent dictionary. I write only to add that this work is very accessible--even to those of us with tired old eyes. I know it is costly, but it is well worth the price!

Excellent text but extremely overpriced, March 4, 2003

This is the definitive Latn resource for classic Latin. The book itself has become like the classics it seeks to enlighten. HOwever, Oxford Press can hardly justify the price. $300 is had to swallow for any book, no matter how comprehensive. Oxford press has always offered high quality, hard to find texts, yet not many are at the price this Latin dictionary is. I would implore Oxford to bring the price down so that students and researchers alike could have access to this fine work.

Superb, but....., August 8, 2002
Reviewer: A reader
This tome (and it indeed _is_ a tome!) is a fine investment for those who are really, really deep into Latin (i.e., *very* serious scholars, translators, those pursuing a college degree in Latin, etc, etc.). For the majority of us mortals and casual dilettantes, the fabulous Oxford Latin Dictionary is superfluous and overkill (especially considering its price), in my opinion.

Other publications, such as Cassell's Latin Dictionary, are excellent and are a very sufficient Latin reference for most. The latter features a great _English-Latin_ section as well! Of course, one might also consider various other volumes (for instance, Oxford's Elementary Latin Dictionary, and any number of abridged/condensed references..).

If you insist on a Latin dictionary much more comprehensive than Cassell's, I suggest Oxford's "Lewis & Short" Latin dictionary. The latter has a broader scope than the OLD and is a hundred dollars cheaper, as well as being slightly more compact.

Again, the great Oxford Latin Dictionary is a classic work and a wonderful accomplishment but is simply not the best choice for everyone, especially Latin neophytes and those merely desiring a handy and economical home library reference.