The Bantam New College Latin & English Dictionary (The Bantam New College Dictionary Series)

Good selection for beginning Latin. I used it for 2 years and have now since gone on to Cassell's and now Lewis and Short, which are both more ample. The advantage here is that is has more words from later Latin than Cassell's, but Cassell's is much more ample when it comes to words like quo and quin (the worst thing ever!).

What does Vita bellum est mean? Life is war? Or is it vita bella est?

This dictionary is good for beginners, but more advanced Latinists must turn elsewhere. Though it covers most basic words, some common words like the verb 'minor' are curiously absent. Those seeking the meanings of hapax legomena, many post-classical and technical words, any but the commonest proper names, or etymologies, must resort to a comprehensive reference like Lewis and Short or the Oxford Latin Dictionary. The most telling flaw of this dictionary is that it does not mark hidden quantity: this is irrelevant for scansion, certainly, but is important for correct accentuation and pronunciation of vowel lengths, for those of us who actually care about speaking Latin properly. Plus, the text is riddled with typos (including one in a page header). The accidence charts at the beginning are accurate and fairly thorough, and may be useful for novices.

Considering its low price, this dictionary is worth a buy for the beginning Latinist, but should not be relied on past the intermediate level.

Our daughter's Latin tutor, a Classics scholar, recommended this Latin dictionary. It is excellent.

Book arrived promptly and in advertised condition. I am very pleased with the entire transaction.

I have used this dictionary for 15 years, and it has never let me down. What amazes me is that it is so versatile. A word would have to be pretty obscure (medieval, ecclesiastical) to not be in here. Unbeatable.