More than a List
After seeing Joshua Kendall speak about Roget on CSPAN, I knew I had to get another copy of Thesaurus, one with type big enough to read, and one with the complete contents. The Thesaurus is more than a great "index" of synonyms: it is an indispensible tool for lovers of words
Roget's Original-style Thesaurus
Buy Roget's original-style thesaurus, not a "dictionary-style" thesaurus. The two versions are not in the same league: Roget's original organization is so much richer. Roget's format (non-dictionary) provides 50-times more synonyms and surrounds entries with pages of context. Dictionary format only provides several synonyms - period - no context, only a very limited and flat view.
Yes, Roget's original format is harder to use: you must look up a word in an index, then locate that word within the main body of the thesaurus. This effort is well worth it.
I offer this analogy: knowledge of a Blue Jay. Dictionary format is like viewing a picture of a Blue Jay with no other information. Roget's format is like seeing the Blue Jay in its native habitat - flying, size, vocalizations, interactions, etc. It is somewhat harder to step outside and view the Blue Jay in nature - but you get so much more for that little bit of effort. Step outside; get the original Roget's format.
Can't write without it!
I read many of the reviews on this Thesaurus before purchasing it and have been MOST pleased. Having 4 kids (2 in college, 1 high-schooler, 1 elementary) we needed a great resource for writing papers etc. This volume is easy to use and very comprehensive for those familiar with a thesaurus. It may take a novice a couple of tries to understand the format (it is not like a dictionary- you must use the index and then look up the corresponding synonyms) but it is a lesson well-learned and useful. This thesaurus is thorough enough for professional writers as well as students and at home jounalists! It has become a staple at our house for everything from college papers to Scrabble games (verification ONLY!)
Love it
Radical departure from the Roget's of the past. Referencing is much more advanced and inclusive. I dig it!
Awesome size!
This edition is twice as large as my previous years old edition. Perhaps I will find twice as many suggestions for the word I am looking for.