Oxford Large Print Dictionary - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198606680 ISBN 13: 9780198606680

Publisher: Oxford Univ Pr, 2002

Synopsis

Oxford Large Print Dictionary
Large Print

About this title

From the Publisher

We have designed this dictionary for adults and schoolchildren who prefer a larger type size and a text that is clear and easy to read, and it is particularly suitable for people with sight problems.

Often publishers simply blow up the pages of existing small dictionaries in order to create a large print dictionary. This dictionary is different. We have worked with the Royal National Institute for the Blind from the outset, and have followed their recommendations throughout. Two large, clear typefaces have been chosen (for those who are interested, these are ‘Stone’ and ‘Palatino’). There is a good contrast between the type and the background paper, which the RNIB say is even more important for people with sight problems than is the size of the type. The use of italics has been kept to a minimum, and fancy graphic symbols have been avoided. The large margins and the generous spacing between the lines have created a text that is less dense than is usual in dictionaries, with lots of white space. Meanwhile thumb tabs and large, bold running heads allow for easy tracking through the dictionary.

We have chosen a high quality paper. A paper was needed that was not too thick, so that the finished book was not bulky, but was not so fine that the text printed on the other side of the page showed through. The chosen paper fulfils this requirement. It is a creamy white colour, which the RNIB have found provides a better contrast with the black type than do whiter papers.

A compact text was chosen in order to keep the finished size of the dictionary manageable, and a paperback binding to keep it light. It is important that users, whether children or the elderly, should not find it a struggle to lift the book, and this dictionary is particularly easy to handle. Despite it being a paperback, the quality of the paper and the binding allow the pages to lie flat when the book is open, making for easier use with a magnifying glass.

The text is based on that of the Oxford English Minidictionary. This draws on the extensive research into current English carried out by the Oxford Dictionaries Department, and it includes all the words you are likely to come across in the core vocabulary of English. Definitions are short and easy to understand, and extra guidance is given on difficult spellings and pronunciations.

Before we sent the dictionary off to be printed, we supplied the RNIB with some sample copies to be tested by their consumer groups. These groups confirmed that the dictionary was easy and enjoyable to use, that the print and paper quality were good, and that it was good value for money. The RNIB have therefore been able to give the dictionary their full endorsement, represented by the RNIB logo on the back cover.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford Univ Pr
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198606680
• ISBN 13: 9780198606680
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 1312
• Editor: Elliott Julia