What dictionary is the 'bible' for cryptic crossword solvers ?

[tenflags]

I would like to get a decent dictionary - Is there one dictionary that folk would recommned as being the best. In particluar is there an accepted 'bible' that cyrptic crosswoird setters / solvers use ?

[Chrysaor]

I would say Chambers, but others might have alternatives.

[Rollo]

I agree. Chambers English Dictionary.

[JMR27]

I agree with Chrysaor... Chambers

[tenflags]

Thank you folks,
sorry to be pedantic and a bit of a numpty but is there a special version e.g. 'unabridged' or is there just one chambers dictionary ?

[Rollo]

This one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chambers-Dictionary/dp /0550102892/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=122 8582093&sr=1-2

[Christiana]

The one Rollo is showing you is the latest (10th Edition). the reason Chambers is the one is because many compilers actually tell you it is recommended and even use precise wording from the dictionary, but some are stilling using the 2003 version, which you might have to purchase secondhand. I find the latest 10th edition is much the same, but there may be one or two words they've dropped that could possibly turn up - and of course one or two new ones the 2003 version won't have

[Rollo]

I have too many editions of Chambers.

I just use the latest one. I don't find that words I need have been removed.

[Annna]

What! Not the Oxford?

[BigDave44]

I don't want to be too pedantic, but the latest edition (as shown on Rollo's link) is the 11th.

[Christiana]

Oh, hadn't realised they'd got yet another edition out.

It's a shame about the true-blue British Oxford, but it's a fact that most compilers (at least most of the ones I come across) go for Chambers.

[ianmunt]

If you also want general knowledge info Collins is very good

[BigDave44]

Yes Christiana, I agree. If you use any of the Oxford dictionaries, then you will find yourself asking lots of questions on AB !!

However, for Countdown, it's a different story.

[Aquagility]

Very occasionally you may want to refer to The Oxford (18 volumes, I think). It's available online, but only by subscription. However, most main libraries subscribe, and you can get access through your library ticket.

[chrispybacon]

In order of usefulness I have:
Chambers, Oxford Reference, Encarta Chamber's Scientific, Brewers, Collins, Bible Dictionary, Dic. of Classical Mythology, & Franklin (includes Bradford's Crossword Solver)

- and I ring my No. 1 son too!

No shame then!
,

[Annna]

Explains a lot then, my Thesaurus, spellchecker, encyclopedia and dictionary are all Oxford! But I did finish the Sat DT without using AB today!

PS Do you think I would be allowed AB as my phone a friend?

[Spriggins]

Why not have a look at Bradford's Crossword Solver's Dictionary by Anne Bradford. Its not a dictionary in the usual sense of the word; its much better! You look up a word, and you get a list of all sorts of other words that may be connected to it, apart from the usual synonyms. Its the ultimate lateral thinking reference. I couldn't possible be without it for solving cryptic and general knowledge crosswords.

[offramp_t]

The famous phrase form the bottom of prize crosswords is:

"Chambers (2003) is recommended. First prize is a Collins Dictionary".

[bricro]

Try www.chambersreference.com

the new !!th edition is on offer at �18.75.

The price on the back of mine is �35!!!!!!!!!!.

I bought mine through Amazon but I had to order it sometime before general release.

If funds are a problem Wikipaedia is a good stand-by.

[Rollo]

The CD version of the 2003 edition is invaluable.

So much easier to use than the book.

http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/books /dictionaries/tcd_cd.shtml

[jocon]

Further to offramp_t's comment -
Why is it that so many crossword comps offer dictionaries as prizes? Anyone keen enough to complete and send in a competition entry must already have a reasonable dictionary. Surely a cash or book token prize is more acceptable.
I have been very lucky in winning a few times and have four dictionaries on my shelves (still in shrink wrap!) - ironically, none are Chambers, which is the one I rely on.