bedside reference

What reference books do you enjoy as bedtime reading?

I keep a dream dictionary handy. Seems like a good place for it.

I keep Mind the Gaffe!. Despite being a writing guide, it's good for a laugh or two when I need one. (Usually at the expense of those responsible for a certain type of writing which Trask advises us to avoid.)

varielle, The only "dream" dictionary i trust is An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols by J.C.Cooper. If your interested in why I'll happily follow up on the issue.

Sounds like a book to enjoy, AnnaClaire. thanks

Sharp's Electronic Dictionary makes a perfect bedside companion. Versatile (inc. thes, grammar, calc), accessible (flip-top protects keyboard), and thorough (word origin) + portable for traveling... a great design. Besides, my 75+ dictionary collection won't fit in my carry-on.

I have J. E. Cirlot's A Dictionary of Symbols as well as a Book of Common Prayer by my bedside. I think most of the other books are not quite reference. I don't own the Cooper book, so maybe that might be a good "buy".

I used to dip into Q is for Quantum.

vpfluke, The Cooper is a great little book!

I have just joined this group and just would like to add the following. I have the folowing references as bedside companions. The Shorter Oxford Dictionary, The Oxford Classical Dictionary, the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations and just to shift things around I have the Chambers Dictionary of Etymology.

What a pity this group is dormant, but I'll still add my two pennyworth.
Beside my bed is A Dictionary of Modern English Usage by H.W. Fowler. When I haven't a book on the go I find dipping into Fowler fascinating. Open it anywhere and you find erudite commentary, acerbic criticism and witty comparisons, all expressed in perfect English. Some of the articles are an absolute delight to read.

Ha, my copy's visible from where I'm sitting now - it's on top of the piano.
But beside the bed is Why is Q Always Followed by U?: Word-Perfect Answers to the Most-Asked Questions About Language by Michael Quinion

I have my laptop near where I sleep, so sometimes I go to the Oxford Dictionaries website, and sometimes the Merriam-Webster website, and then sometimes Dictionary.com, and sometimes Onelook.com, which gives me an array of possible dictionaries for any given word. And, when necessary, there's the Urban Dictionary website.

So many words . . . so many ways to look them up.

For other things, I use Wikipedia, but check the sources; Britannica; and specialty websites, depending on the subject. For example, WebMD or the Mayo Clinic or CDC.gov (among others) for medical questions.

I have many actual reference books--all in storage. I appreciate online sources, but with a critical eye.