BOOKS: Oxford Classical Dictionary

Parthenon

Much of the factual information known about the classical world in one place__that pretty much sums up the "Oxford Classical Dictionary." The 2003 revised edition of this classic reference work has been completely reworked to reflect current classical scholarship. This is an odd reference book in that it has inspired the awe of many reviewers and compared to natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls__hmm. Its sheer comprehensiveness and quality of its scholarship is awe inspiring__its 1704 pages of small but legible print weigh in at almost 7 pounds. Not many pictures here. And did I mention its thick__if you like your reference books thick this one is for you. If you read classical literature and you ever felt lost and confused by ancient allusions and references then this work is a must. The articles signed and written by classical scholars, are precise and well written. Most are appended by exhaustive bibliographies that lead the reader to more in depth coverage of the subject. Not to say that the coverage here is shallow it most cases coverage is more than adequate, even for the scholar. The "Oxford Classical Dictionary" is the one book you will find on most classical scholar's desks and the one given out as a prize by the National Latin Examination to its gold medal winners. So if you fancy yourself inheritor of the riches of Periclean Athens or the grandeur of Augustan Rome this is the book for you. Downside: it cost $100.00