I wish there were a printed version for rhymes. I’ve been writing some poetry lately and using online dictionaries. I agree that being connected to the internet while writing it’s very distracting. ’Don't text and write!’ Thanks for the video!
This thesaurus is adequate for a high school or even a freshman preparing a paper, but otherwise - meh! I looked up a few entries for suggestions, and nothing extraordinary popped up. The terms I used in my text weren't even in the main bodies of suggestions. For a living, I teach English. I know where I'm coming from. Stephen King was correct. Place the Thesaurus in the waste paper container. Mine is gathering dust on the shelf. However, it is an outstanding paperweight.
Love your thinking about using a printed thesaurus. "Grazing" other words while searching for the word you are looking for is a little bit like what I call serendipitous research. Numerous times while researching printed books and documents (which you have to scan for info instead of a computer word search taking you right to the information) I have found unexpected ideas, information, leads, and sources. There are a lot of great reasons to go to the actual print. I occasionally skim my copy of Bartlett's Book of Familiar Quotations just for the almost involuntary learning that I think takes place.
Douglas R. Hofstadter has some interesting thoughts on why he deplores search engines that attempt to autocomplete or autosuggest what you're looking for. It's in this vein. I love your term "serendipitous research." I, too, keep bedside books such as 7,000 Great Quotes; Literary Feuds; etc. It also explains those Wikipedia rabbit holes I so often find myself in.
This particular Thesaurus has little to recommend it. In fact, it does not even recommend itself. In the introduction by Ben Zimmer, he seems to go to great lengths to explain why you do not need a print thesaurus and should be using an online thesaurus, preferably Oxford's online subscription version. After looking through this particular thesaurus, I would agree that this thesaurus is little better than your basic word processor thesaurus. Some of the "features" include 'word clouds.' For example, there is a word cloud for words that are used with the word 'low.' This way you can easily see what words are most frequently combined with the word 'low.' I see very little value in this feature other than to take up space. Another feature are the quotes that randomly appear using a word. Below the entry for 'lottery' you can find such sage advice as this: "Son, if you really want something in life, you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers." ~Homer Simpson from The Simpsons TV Show. That will certainly be helpful in grasping the nuances of the word 'lottery.' Many of the quotes are just like that. Perhaps they editors were providing entertainment for the feeble minded. They do provide short phrases next to the words to show usage. If you want an excellent Thesaurus, one that you will choose to go to instead of an online search, get Roget's International Thesaurus, 7th Edition. Even though the Oxford calls Roget's quaint, I find Roget's two step process allows me not just to find the exact word, but more importantly, expands my understanding of the nuances of the words. It continues to educate me, rather than dumb down like one particular thesaurus I am returning. Not only is the Roget's better, it is almost half the price.
This thesaurus is adequate for a high school or even a freshman preparing a paper, but otherwise - meh! I looked up a few entries for suggestions, and nothing extraordinary popped up. The terms I used in my text weren't even in the main bodies of suggestions. For a living, I teach English. I know where I'm coming from. Stephen King was correct. Place the Thesaurus in the waste paper container. Mine is gathering dust on the shelf. However, it is an outstanding paperweight.
Diving into the back catalog of videos. This was an easy purchase after hearing you talk about it for a couple minutes. Chris, I think it’s time for me to ask where that experimental novel of yours is at so I can read it immediately! My wife doesn’t know this but you are partially responsible for the amount of books I’ve bought in the last few months. Great channel, sir!
Hey, Mike! Glad you found the OAWT enticing--it really is a great resource, and fun just just sit down and peruse! As for my novel, there are two you could be referencing: one is finished and was sitting with River Boat Books for publication, but I asked the editor to pull it. It's a long story but in sum I just didn't want it to go into the world as my first published work. I then started on a new novel that has consumed me for two years and counting (I read from it in one of my Q&A videos). This one will probably still be in progress for another year or so. And I am writing the first draft longhand, so I'll still need to type it up, revise, send to proofreaders, etc. This is the one, though--THE ONE. And I'm going to shop it around for an agent and see if I can get it published at a bigger house. As for your book-buying I can only reply with a hearty YOU'RE WELCOME! :-) All my best to you, Mike!
@@LeafbyLeaf Excellent, we need to de-digitalize our lives. The old Lamy 2000 and on to either a Raspberry Pi on Linux so as not to feed the beast or the word processor on the on the Remarkable II looks interesting. I think I know how playwrights in the Elizabethan police state felt though - the slightest wrong think could get your head chopped off. Makes one realise how dangerous the written word has always been eh? Your channel's great by the way, really top notch. Keep the Aspidistra flying!
This sounds good, though my fave thesaurus is a 1990s paperback that has just enough in it to remind me of other words and break up my thinking. Sometimes when writing I just need to be reminded of other available words.
I have the first edition (from when I was being a good little DFW completist) and was unaware of the additions to the third edition. Thanks for the update!
When I clicked this I thought you where trolling. But wow I am rushing out to get it now. I will send you the bill. I am not supposed to be buying books!! I may get away with a thesaurus though. Thanks and keep em videos coming
Haha! If it makes you feel any better, I made a pact with myself not to buy any books this month but I've just ordered 3 books in the last 2 days. I need to stop listening to podcasts and watching other Booktubers!
A brilliant idea! Really! I'll buy this dictionary asap. Are you a writer? I wrote 2 books of poetry and short stories, a memoir and 2 short novels /long stories. Nowadays my aim is to write a kind of sort of novel/tale in English and to send it to an English publisher because italian publishing houses suck. In UK you need a literary agent in order to get your book published eventually. It's very tough!
I am a writer, yes. Over the years I’ve tried my hand at poetry and short stories, but novels are my interest. To be honest, I find essays and book reviews my favorite form. Over the last couple years I’ve steadily published reviews in Rain Taxi Review of Books. On Amazon, you can find a handful of my self-published works. And I’m currently in talks with a publisher about an experimental novel of mine. Best of luck to you in your endeavors!
This particular Thesaurus has little to recommend it. In fact, it does not even recommend itself. In the introduction by Ben Zimmer, he seems to go to great lengths to explain why you do not need a print thesaurus and should be using an online thesaurus, preferably Oxford's online subscription version. After looking through this particular thesaurus, I would agree that this thesaurus is little better than your basic word processor thesaurus. Some of the "features" include 'word clouds.' For example, there is a word cloud for words that are used with the word 'low.' This way you can easily see what words are most frequently combined with the word 'low.' I see very little value in this feature other than to take up space. Another feature are the quotes that randomly appear using a word. Below the entry for 'lottery' you can find such sage advice as this: "Son, if you really want something in life, you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers." ~Homer Simpson from The Simpsons TV Show. That will certainly be helpful in grasping the nuances of the word 'lottery.' Many of the quotes are just like that. Perhaps they editors were providing entertainment for the feeble minded. They do provide short phrases next to the words to show usage. If you want an excellent Thesaurus, one that you will choose to go to instead of an online search, get Roget's International Thesaurus, 7th Edition. Even though the Oxford calls Roget's quaint, I find Roget's two step process allows me not just to find the exact word, but more importantly, expands my understanding of the nuances of the words. It continues to educate me, rather than dumb down like one particular thesaurus I am returning. Not only is the Roget's better, it is almost half the price.
@@LeafbyLeaf I also think your 2nd reason for opting for a printed one applies to me too. Searching for words, I always stop along the way to read about something else.
I wish there were a printed version for rhymes. I’ve been writing some poetry lately and using online dictionaries. I agree that being connected to the internet while writing it’s very distracting. ’Don't text and write!’ Thanks for the video!
’Don't text and write!’ I like that. Thanks so much! Always great to hear from you.
This thesaurus is adequate for a high school or even a freshman preparing a paper, but otherwise - meh! I looked up a few entries for suggestions, and nothing extraordinary popped up. The terms I used in my text weren't even in the main bodies of suggestions. For a living, I teach English. I know where I'm coming from. Stephen King was correct. Place the Thesaurus in the waste paper container. Mine is gathering dust on the shelf. However, it is an outstanding paperweight.
"pulvinate" sounds gross. much prefer "dumpy"
😂
Dumpy conjures the image of one taking a dump, perhaps in a chamber pot.
Have you heard of the word pulverulent? Up and coming.
@@cntrlrb20 i take dumps to be like junk in the trunk. pulverulent is new for me, sounds like something related to Voldemort
@@cntrlrb20 XD
Have you compared the 3rd edition to earlier editions? Any thoughts? (difference of about $20 for a used copy)
Unfortunately, I have not. Sorry, my friend.
Love your thinking about using a printed thesaurus. "Grazing" other words while searching for the word you are looking for is a little bit like what I call serendipitous research. Numerous times while researching printed books and documents (which you have to scan for info instead of a computer word search taking you right to the information) I have found unexpected ideas, information, leads, and sources. There are a lot of great reasons to go to the actual print. I occasionally skim my copy of Bartlett's Book of Familiar Quotations just for the almost involuntary learning that I think takes place.
Douglas R. Hofstadter has some interesting thoughts on why he deplores search engines that attempt to autocomplete or autosuggest what you're looking for. It's in this vein. I love your term "serendipitous research." I, too, keep bedside books such as 7,000 Great Quotes; Literary Feuds; etc. It also explains those Wikipedia rabbit holes I so often find myself in.
Unable to locate the exact word needed while writing gives me the howling fantods.
XD
This particular Thesaurus has little to recommend it. In fact, it does not even recommend itself. In the introduction by Ben Zimmer, he seems to go to great lengths to explain why you do not need a print thesaurus and should be using an online thesaurus, preferably Oxford's online subscription version. After looking through this particular thesaurus, I would agree that this thesaurus is little better than your basic word processor thesaurus. Some of the "features" include 'word clouds.' For example, there is a word cloud for words that are used with the word 'low.' This way you can easily see what words are most frequently combined with the word 'low.' I see very little value in this feature other than to take up space.
Another feature are the quotes that randomly appear using a word. Below the entry for 'lottery' you can find such sage advice as this: "Son, if you really want something in life, you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers." ~Homer Simpson from The Simpsons TV Show. That will certainly be helpful in grasping the nuances of the word 'lottery.' Many of the quotes are just like that. Perhaps they editors were providing entertainment for the feeble minded. They do provide short phrases next to the words to show usage.
If you want an excellent Thesaurus, one that you will choose to go to instead of an online search, get Roget's International Thesaurus, 7th Edition. Even though the Oxford calls Roget's quaint, I find Roget's two step process allows me not just to find the exact word, but more importantly, expands my understanding of the nuances of the words. It continues to educate me, rather than dumb down like one particular thesaurus I am returning. Not only is the Roget's better, it is almost half the price.
This thesaurus is adequate for a high school or even a freshman preparing a paper, but otherwise - meh! I looked up a few entries for suggestions, and nothing extraordinary popped up. The terms I used in my text weren't even in the main bodies of suggestions. For a living, I teach English. I know where I'm coming from. Stephen King was correct. Place the Thesaurus in the waste paper container. Mine is gathering dust on the shelf. However, it is an outstanding paperweight.
record player was a cool idea, but it definitely interferes with the sound of your voice. glad you stopped using it.
I'm glad I stopped doing it, too. Experimentation failure. Really wish I could somehow extract it from my Musil videos especially. Oh, well.
Diving into the back catalog of videos. This was an easy purchase after hearing you talk about it for a couple minutes. Chris, I think it’s time for me to ask where that experimental novel of yours is at so I can read it immediately! My wife doesn’t know this but you are partially responsible for the amount of books I’ve bought in the last few months. Great channel, sir!
Hey, Mike! Glad you found the OAWT enticing--it really is a great resource, and fun just just sit down and peruse! As for my novel, there are two you could be referencing: one is finished and was sitting with River Boat Books for publication, but I asked the editor to pull it. It's a long story but in sum I just didn't want it to go into the world as my first published work. I then started on a new novel that has consumed me for two years and counting (I read from it in one of my Q&A videos). This one will probably still be in progress for another year or so. And I am writing the first draft longhand, so I'll still need to type it up, revise, send to proofreaders, etc. This is the one, though--THE ONE. And I'm going to shop it around for an agent and see if I can get it published at a bigger house.
As for your book-buying I can only reply with a hearty YOU'RE WELCOME! :-)
All my best to you, Mike!
Thank you sir for your review and explanations.
My pleasure!
"grazing other words." love that
I have Roget thesaurus 7th edition, what’s your opinion on that? plz give reply
Do you write with a pen and paper then? I agree that all things digital are trash.
Yep, pen and paper for the first couple drafts. (But then I, of course, have to turn to the digital overlords.)
@@LeafbyLeaf Excellent, we need to de-digitalize our lives. The old Lamy 2000 and on to either a Raspberry Pi on Linux so as not to feed the beast or the word processor on the on the Remarkable II looks interesting. I think I know how playwrights in the Elizabethan police state felt though - the slightest wrong think could get your head chopped off. Makes one realise how dangerous the written word has always been eh? Your channel's great by the way, really top notch. Keep the Aspidistra flying!
I have Roget thesaurus 7th edition, what’s your opinion on that?
Thes ( bag ) Ar ( gold )
Thesar 🦅🇦🇱🦅🇦🇱🦅🇦🇱
100% Pelasgian-illyrian
This sounds good, though my fave thesaurus is a 1990s paperback that has just enough in it to remind me of other words and break up my thinking. Sometimes when writing I just need to be reminded of other available words.
The Goldilocks of thesauri! :)
I own a copy of this book. I bought it at Barnes and Noble. It's a good book.
I agree/concur/acknowledge. :)
I have the first edition (from when I was being a good little DFW completist) and was unaware of the additions to the third edition. Thanks for the update!
“A good little DFW completist”: a great life goal for any discerning human. You’re welcome!
When I clicked this I thought you where trolling. But wow I am rushing out to get it now. I will send you the bill. I am not supposed to be buying books!! I may get away with a thesaurus though. Thanks and keep em videos coming
Haha! If it makes you feel any better, I made a pact with myself not to buy any books this month but I've just ordered 3 books in the last 2 days. I need to stop listening to podcasts and watching other Booktubers!
@@LeafbyLeaf I hear you. I need to stop browsing amazon for SFF magazine issues and novels.
I literally asked my wife to routinely make me show her my Amazon order history. 😬
I just bought this for 3$!
SCORE!!!
A brilliant idea! Really! I'll buy this dictionary asap. Are you a writer? I wrote 2 books of poetry and short stories, a memoir and 2 short novels /long stories. Nowadays my aim is to write a kind of sort of novel/tale in English and to send it to an English publisher because italian publishing houses suck. In UK you need a literary agent in order to get your book published eventually. It's very tough!
I am a writer, yes. Over the years I’ve tried my hand at poetry and short stories, but novels are my interest. To be honest, I find essays and book reviews my favorite form. Over the last couple years I’ve steadily published reviews in Rain Taxi Review of Books. On Amazon, you can find a handful of my self-published works. And I’m currently in talks with a publisher about an experimental novel of mine. Best of luck to you in your endeavors!
@@LeafbyLeaf , I'm going to search for your books. Can you give me your surname? Thanks!
@@marinamaccagni5253 www.amazon.com/Chris-Via/e/B01DO8COF8
@@LeafbyLeaf , thanks!
This particular Thesaurus has little to recommend it. In fact, it does not even recommend itself. In the introduction by Ben Zimmer, he seems to go to great lengths to explain why you do not need a print thesaurus and should be using an online thesaurus, preferably Oxford's online subscription version. After looking through this particular thesaurus, I would agree that this thesaurus is little better than your basic word processor thesaurus. Some of the "features" include 'word clouds.' For example, there is a word cloud for words that are used with the word 'low.' This way you can easily see what words are most frequently combined with the word 'low.' I see very little value in this feature other than to take up space.
Another feature are the quotes that randomly appear using a word. Below the entry for 'lottery' you can find such sage advice as this: "Son, if you really want something in life, you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers." ~Homer Simpson from The Simpsons TV Show. That will certainly be helpful in grasping the nuances of the word 'lottery.' Many of the quotes are just like that. Perhaps they editors were providing entertainment for the feeble minded. They do provide short phrases next to the words to show usage.
If you want an excellent Thesaurus, one that you will choose to go to instead of an online search, get Roget's International Thesaurus, 7th Edition. Even though the Oxford calls Roget's quaint, I find Roget's two step process allows me not just to find the exact word, but more importantly, expands my understanding of the nuances of the words. It continues to educate me, rather than dumb down like one particular thesaurus I am returning. Not only is the Roget's better, it is almost half the price.
what was playing in the background?
The amazing Bud Powell, The Scene Changes!
@@LeafbyLeaf great taste in literature and jazz! wew!
@@Forino99 :)
Thank you for that... ordering that right now.
You won’t be disappointed!
I love this review and I love this Thesaurus.
🙏
@@LeafbyLeaf I also think your 2nd reason for opting for a printed one applies to me too. Searching for words, I always stop along the way to read about something else.
Exactly! Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones we aren’t looking for.
Grifter
Neither grifter nor confidence man appears in this one.
Karl Ove Knausgaard
Is this in response to his handsome volumes over my shoulder?