Essential content for big pockets! (Collins Italian Dictionary)

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Product:	Collins Italian Dictionary
Date:	24/01/03 (19 review reads)
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Advantages: Detailed language and usage notes., Modern and Contemporary language both given full coverage., Comprehensive supplements.

Disadvantages: Is it possible to be too big?

Pocket translation material this is not - unless you have deep, fat pockets! Collins Italian Dictionary is best described as a 'volume' than a book and with over 160,000 references and 230,000 translations, the content is absolutely invaluable reference material.

Many similar publications tend to focus on modern language at the expense of contemporary language (or vice-versa) so it is a great pleasure to find a dictionary that concentrates on both; but then this is a good indication of why this volume is so huge. Indeed, modern language is covered in such depth (consider words & terms like: information superhighway, media circus, nicotine patch, supermodel, SIDS, etc.) that it puts even the modern language specific Italian dictionaries to shame. Contemporary language isn't neglected at all; in fact, it even gives special treatment to the tiniest of commonly used words (avere, essere, meno, do, get, have).

The most frequently used words of English and Italian are presented in such detail that you all too often find yourself using entirely different words and phrases to allay your original message. Never before have I seen a foreign language dictionary that gives such sound advice (beneath entries) on when and how to use unfamiliar words and phrases that a non-native Italian speaker might lack confidence expressing. And aside from being a two-way dictionary, Collins Italian Dictionary also includes wordlists, comprehensive verb tables and a Language In Use supplement which provides a grammar of communication in Italian as well as English. As you can see, even at the list price of £22.99 (although you can get it much cheaper), this tome is an absolute bargain.

As long as you're not looking for a pocket translator - but serious reference material - you can't go far wrong. This book has about as much chance of fitting into your pocket as Sophia Loren; in fact, if - as an owner of this book - you decided to abuse Sophia
in
this way, her foulest language would be fully decipherable; although hospitalization guaranteed.

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