Random House Word Menu: New and Essential Companion to the Dictionary

by Stephen Glazier

A revolutionary tool that has changed the way we use words, the Random House Word Menu functions in four ways: it is a thesaurus with definitions; a dictionary divided into word categories; a reverse dictionary; and a collection of glossaries. A writer's right hand and a browser's delight, this reference contains thousands of entries in over 800 categories.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Language, Nonfiction, Dictionaries, Linguistics, Research

977 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 1992

Reviews

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Random House Word Menu is a useful reference tool for anyone looking to be precise in her writing or conversation.

The book is divided into subject areas like 'the sciences,' 'social order,' 'cognition,' and much more. After each word, a brief description is given.

In some ways, Random House Word Menu feels quite similar to the ubiquitous Dewey Decimal system used by librarians.

With this book in hand, I could see researchers being able to find specific volumes more easily because the search terms are at his fingertips. He would then be able to give that information to a librarian, or utilize it himself if he knows the library system, in order to find exactly what he needs.

However, I tried to look up the word, 'librarian,' in the Word Menu and it wasn't there! Oversight or purposeful act- you tell me.

I suppose author Stephen Glazier wouldn't want to give too many tools to those book dragons. Who knows what they would do next...

Highly recommended for reference purposes. The only thing that would make this better would be if the book was digital and could be updated with minimal time, effort and resources. Until then, the physical tome will have to suffice.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was by the most helpful book I’ve used, much better than a regular thesaurus, for finding the right word when writing, when it’s important to use the word I really want to use. It’s not comprehensive although I was always able to find a word I wanted to use.

(I do have to say thank goodness for the www.onelook.com online dictionary. In fact, since I found onelook, I haven’t used this book, or any dictionary/thesaurus that often. It’s still a somewhat unique resource and I’m glad that I own it.)

[Sunshine Positivity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these and wish they still made them

[Judith Ann Kohnen]

The reference book offers tens of thousands of ways to find just the right word for any occasion. It blends the functions of a thesaurus (offering a myriad of interesting ways to say the same thing) with those of a dictionary (defining most of its entries) thus assuring writing that is colorful and accurate. I love this book. It has so many functions, helpful in many ways.

[kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite references of all time. A cross between a reverse dictionary and a thesaurus. Helps you find words for the things you don't know enough about to ask the right questions.

[Greg Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for writers and people looking for inspiration!

[Dr. Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words organized by categories.

[Glenn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite reference book. Still useful even with google at your fingertips.

[Bil Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest references books, I've ever seen, read, referred to, or was aware of... I use it weekly.

[Stacy]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/6207053

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do rub this book up against my cheek. My kids fight over it when I bring it out. This makes me feel like a successful parent: bringing up little lexophiles one at a time. LOVE THIS BOOK!

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource for writers. Maybe the best.

[Sherrie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reference book for all writers. Fantastic information in a very easy format. Although marked "read", this book will forever be in use.