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1LesMiserables
Living in the computer age and having the digital OED program on your machine is a handy old thing, in my opinion.
But isn't it just grand to have the full set, for thee aesthetic qualities alone?
But isn't it just grand to have the full set, for thee aesthetic qualities alone?
2aulsmith
I don't know how the digital version on home computers works, but the online version that libraries can subscribe to is just so superior to the print edition, that, could I afford either, the online subscription would be what I want. The online edition searches all the words in the "first use quotes" (not sure what OED calls those) so, on top of all the neat dictionary things, you can use it to find quotes.
3LesMiserables
> 2
The digital programs are practically superior. Of that there is no doubt, except of course when there is a power cut!
I may be alone in this, but there is something permanent and pleasing about having the multi volume sets in your library. I have the Encyclopaedia Britannica and it is used every day, and sits so elegantly on the shelf as well.
The digital programs are practically superior. Of that there is no doubt, except of course when there is a power cut!
I may be alone in this, but there is something permanent and pleasing about having the multi volume sets in your library. I have the Encyclopaedia Britannica and it is used every day, and sits so elegantly on the shelf as well.
4aulsmith
3: I too have the Britannica in hardcopy, but I tend to use the OED only to look up specific things, so I don't have the same feeling about owning it in hard copy. If I want to browse the dictionary, the Random House is easier to get at. However, if I want the complete definitions over time of a particular word, there's nothing to do except use the OED.
5LesMiserables
The version of Britannica I have is the 2007 ed.
I think it is one of the best purchases I have made as far as books go. The Propedia Volume is a fantastic resource for the autodidact.
I think it is one of the best purchases I have made as far as books go. The Propedia Volume is a fantastic resource for the autodidact.
6aulsmith
5. Mine is an edition from the 80s, but we almost exclusively use it for history background reading, so the edition hasn't made a lot of difference to us.
7LesMiserables
> 6
Yes, not that much, in historical terms, will have changed between those editions, bar updates as a result of progress in archaeological finds and the ever changing borders of third world countries. I subscribe the print edition of the Yearbooks and I find that although they are interesting, the articles are such that they will not collectively make their way into a completely new print edition: that is, they are historically insignificant relevant to other key moments in the history of man and his environment. It could be argued that the point of the Yearbooks is not to be significant relevant to written history, but to narrowly lay before the population, a written account of the past year. This emphasises the sense of almanac in the Yearbook rather than encyclopaedic nature of the multiple volumes.
Yes, not that much, in historical terms, will have changed between those editions, bar updates as a result of progress in archaeological finds and the ever changing borders of third world countries. I subscribe the print edition of the Yearbooks and I find that although they are interesting, the articles are such that they will not collectively make their way into a completely new print edition: that is, they are historically insignificant relevant to other key moments in the history of man and his environment. It could be argued that the point of the Yearbooks is not to be significant relevant to written history, but to narrowly lay before the population, a written account of the past year. This emphasises the sense of almanac in the Yearbook rather than encyclopaedic nature of the multiple volumes.
8ironjaw
>7 LesMiserables: Interesting point on the Yearbooks. I don't own a version of Britannica, but my intention is to buy one in the future when my finances permit. I have been pondering whether to get an older version on eBay for less or a new version directly from Britannica. I guess, I am trying to reach a convincing argument for what to do. I also don't have the print edition of OED.
Another aspect is that I would (given the opportunity) rather choose the print edition than the online for seeking a word or looking up an entry in an encyclopedia. Wikipedia is easier although much less reliable.
Another aspect is that I would (given the opportunity) rather choose the print edition than the online for seeking a word or looking up an entry in an encyclopedia. Wikipedia is easier although much less reliable.
9LesMiserables
> 8
I purchased a new copy (2007 ed.) from the Book Depository a couple of years ago for £401.45 and that included postage to Australia.
That's 32 volumes remember averaging at £12.55 per volume which I thought to be quite reasonable.
I purchased a new copy (2007 ed.) from the Book Depository a couple of years ago for £401.45 and that included postage to Australia.
That's 32 volumes remember averaging at £12.55 per volume which I thought to be quite reasonable.
10ironjaw
Hmm, if only the delivered to Denmark. They have opted to leave DK out (they deliver to every EU Member State except Denmark) because of the legal difficulties and the insistence of the government to require BD to VAT register their company here.
£12.55 per volume. Oh and that's a bargain!!!
£12.55 per volume. Oh and that's a bargain!!!
11LesMiserables
> Yes, I know how you feel. You feel discriminated against or short-changed or something akin to those things. Try being a FS devotee in Australia!
Yes £12.55 is a bargain. Currently amazon UK are selling the OED20 for £670 but, that is much more expensive per volume.
Yes £12.55 is a bargain. Currently amazon UK are selling the OED20 for £670 but, that is much more expensive per volume.
