Shorter Oxford English Dictionary

User Review: - It's missing "dreadlocks"!
This was a long-desired purchase for a senior residence library. Two days after it arrived, one of our residents pointed out the absence of "dreadlocks" and gave me five pages from Wikipedia. I like to feel the residents are that interested.

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User Review: - A must have for writers and serious blogers
Hey, you get a bonus CD disk so you can install this on your computer. This is a wonderful dictionary and a joy to use.

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User Review: - the english bible (short version)
If you like English, if you really love it, then it should be your permantent companion and your reference book. manuel armas, a coruña, spain.

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User Review: - Almost Too Nice to Use
Note: I've noticed that this review is appearing on the pages of other Shorter Oxford products, such as the CD ROM version. This review exclusively refers to the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary: Deluxe Sixth Edition. This is the leatherbound, two-volume set.

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So much has been written about the scholarship of the Shorter OED that I elect not to debate it here. Nonetheless, you might be interested in the physicality of what you're buying.

In a word, both the quality and the aesthetic presentation of this Deluxe Edition are extraordinary. The binding construction is first-rate, and as close to old-world craftsmanship as one might reasonably expect. (If you're familiar with Easton Press leatherbound editions; these volumes are on par. However, the OED editions lack the hubbed spines and moire fabric endsheets that are customary with Easton Press.)

The paper seems to be inimitably thin - almost akin to a rice paper of some sort. You may be familiar with the razor-thin paper used in the Norton Anthology of English Literature; this is empirically similar. The pages are a bright white, and the typeface contrast is bold and clear. Unlike the Compact OED, most people can read this without a magnifying glass.

For what it's worth, these volumes are printed in Italy. They are heirloom editions that may very well last a lifetime or longer. However, they are almost too nice to use as rigorously as you might be initially inclined to do. (I find myself treating my set with kid gloves. There's a strange irony here.)

The Oxford blue leather bindings are tastefully stunning. Although delicate, the gold-gilded edging keeps moisture and dust away from the pages. The satin ribbon page markers are a nice touch. The slipcase is cardboard, and although sufficient for its purpose, it is less than luxurious. But overall, as a gift for a loved one or for yourself; this ensemble will not disappoint. Assuredly, you will not find a nicer dictionary from any publisher at any price. (It also helps that this happens to be the OED, albeit the Shorter.)

Finally; this purchase includes a 12-month subscription to the OED Online. (Oxford sells personal subscriptions for $295.00/year.) Some libraries furnish online access for free, but for those of us who aren't so fortunate, this is a sweet perquisite.

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User Review: - Sadly not a major update
The Shorter OED is too Britocentric and does not cover North American English well. If you live in the US or Canada, the Merriam Webster is a much better work.
Unlike the OED, specific dates are not given and only date ranges such as E17 (for early 17th century) are provided.
The quotations are given haphazardly for some senses but not others and many words have no quotations at all. You might be better off getting the whole OED if you're interested in the history of words.
If you already have the fourth or fifth edition, do not bother buying this sixth edition as sadly little has changed. Apparently, Oxford University Press is more interested in churning out editions in order to pad its bottom line but won't make the effort to truly update the dictionary.

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