BOOKS IN BRIEF

The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged Edition (Random House, $25.00).

After the vandalism perpetrated on the norms and traditions of the language by the Third Merriam-Webster, it is a pleasure to report that this new major dictionary seems to be based upon a respect for standards and for civilized tradition. As the editors write in their preface: “The lexicographer who does not recognize the existence of long-established strictures in usage has not discharged his full responsibility.” A number of soundings in the dictionary confirm that they have been as good as their word. For example, under “like” we find: “The use of LIKE in place of AS is universally condemned by teachers and editors, notwithstanding its wide currency, especially in advertising slogans.” This dictionary reads well, as a dictionary should.

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The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged Edition (Random House, $25.00).

After the vandalism perpetrated on the norms and traditions of the language by the Third Merriam-Webster, it is a pleasure to report that this new major dictionary seems to be based upon a respect for standards and for civilized tradition. As the editors write in their preface: “The lexicographer who does not recognize the existence of long-established strictures in usage has not discharged his full responsibility.” A number of soundings in the dictionary confirm that they have been as good as their word. For example, under “like” we find: “The use of LIKE in place of AS is universally condemned by teachers and editors, notwithstanding its wide currency, especially in advertising slogans.” This dictionary reads well, as a dictionary should.