The Oxford-Hachette French Dictionary: French-English, English-French

I bought this dictionary without really assessing the market because I trusted an Oxford dictionary to be the best. Since then I have used the equivilant Collins-Robert (CR) dictionary in school, and while that in itself is very good, I'm still glad that I bought Oxford-Hachette. The typeface is clear, it has a vast array of sample letters, bills, contracts etc. in the middle section to assist people such as students who are going to live in France, and most importantly it has a HUGE range of vocabulary. Despite being cheaper than CR, it actually appears thicker, and it also comes with an accurate pronunciation CD-ROM. There isn't much to choose between them in terms of vocab, but I'd choose Oxford-Hachette over Collins-Robert simply because of the many helpful extras and it being a bit cheaper.

this is huge big heavy dictionary with everything you need! in this case size matters for those who study languages, a smaller dictionary or a conscise version is insufficient. you will be pleased with what this dictinary offers and there is also a cd inside to aid you. it's the real deal.

This is by far the best english-french dictionary you wil find. You will never want to replace it. Highly recommended!

Oxford have topped the French-English dictionary charts with this latest offering. At last, a publisher has given some thought to we ageing profs who have to use bi-lingual dictionaries in our work. The font of the typeface is actually readable. It must be a first.

Another great idea is a grey printed tab for each letter of the alphabet which acts as a fast way into the dictionary without cretaing a tear-point like the old cut-out thumb indices. An interesting by-product is that at a glance you can see which letter of the alphabet is the most common first letter for French words.

What else do I like? Ah, yes the panel inserts with greater background info on modal auxiliaries, meaurement, time etc.

What haven't they done? Still no translation into English of what the verb parts mean in the beautifully clear verb tables at the back. Then again I don't know a grammar book or a dictionary that has realised how useful this would be to learners. When will a publisher think of this? que il eut ete aime

Five out of five for Oxford Hachette.