Harrap's French and English Dictionary

I own a large French-English dictionary, but I also need a pocket dictionary. After looking at five well-known pocket titles at a local bookstore, I chose Harrap's French and English Pocket Dictionary. It is attractive, easy to flip, sharply printed, and easy on the eyes. The definitions are current, authoritative and helpful (at least to an anglophone). I disagree slightly with the one-star review by a fellow reviewer: He says that the claim of 100,000 translations is incorrect, and suggests that the dictionary has only 3000 or 4000. My rough estimate is 80,000. In fact, by all appearances, this 768-page dictionary is packed to the limit with translations. Also, half of the words that he says were unreasonably excluded from the dictionary were also excluded from the other dictionary of mine that is much larger and comes from a different publisher.

I have in hand a copy of the dictionary. The 2 previous reviewers must be referring to a different edition, perhaps the pocket edition.The edition I hold contains the words claimed as unlisted by the last reviewer.The preface states it is based on an older compact edition. But this one is up to date. Among the contributors are two computer terminology specialists. The french grammar section is an excellent introduction of about one hundred pages(includes conjugation tables). For words with more than one meaning there are often examples of usage.Each section (french to english and english to french)is over 500 pages. Very legible text.

This edition puts the "pocket" in the title to literal use. It fits snuggly in a book bag or a pocket, is easy-to-use, and the definitions are clear and brief. Perfect for a beginning student or anyone who needs a small quick reference.