The editors are to be congratulated for successfully eliminating some of the problems identified with the earlier work. For example, the limited number of synonyms provided for each word in the 1988 edition has been greatly increased (e.g., glee now has 17 synonyms instead of the one listed in the 1988 edition), and the use of cross-references to words in a category index provides antonyms and lists of synonym groups related to a particular sense of the headword. Although helpful, some users may be initially confused by this latter vehicle.

For example, users looking up the word uproot are referred to the words make and help in the index (where reasonable synonyms are found under the antonyms unmake and harm). Easier to use are indications that synonyms for specific senses of a headword can be found as headwords elsewhere in the thesaurus (e.g., for the headword squirt, jet is indicated by a superscript as a synonym also listed as a headword).

Deleted from this edition are illustrative quotes (unfavorably viewed by RBB in its review of the 1988 edition), but added are helpful slang and regional synonyms and more idioms. Also added are clearer differentiations among senses of a word. The definitions provided for each headword are less telegraphic in writing style than those in the 1988 edition, but may, in some cases, be misleading. Its alphabetical sequence of headwords supplemented by a category index and plentiful cross-references supplies an array of colorful and vivid synonyms that will be helpful for writers who do not have the time to engage in the long process of using a classified or category-indexed thesaurus like those mentioned above. Recommended for all types of public and academic libraries and for high-school libraries. OVERSIZE!

 Houghton Mifflin 0-395-48317-4 / 9780395483176
Hardcover with book jacket As New Condition Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 

Price: 21.29 USD