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Ultimate Visual Dictionary
"Ultimate Visual Dictionary" is a comprehensive, annotated visual dictionary of more than 33,000 commonly researched places and things, from the origins of the universe to modern technology.
Organized into 14 major sections including Animals, Rail and Road, Music, and more, each has its own table of contents, enabling readers to find a pictorial definition of an object without necessarily knowing its name in advance. "Can't remember the name of a kangaroo's pouch?" Just flip to the "Marsupials & Monotremes" spread in "Ultimate Visual Dictionary" and find out. Or, turn the pages to discover the different components of the human body, identify the parts of a tractor, or figure out tricky sports terms.
Stunning color photography and detailed cutaway illustrations bring complex subjects to life, alongside straightforward explanations of basic principles and ideas. With this revised edition of DK's "Ultimate Visual Dictionary," readers will never again be at a loss for words.
Organized into 14 major sections including Animals, Rail and Road, Music, and more, each has its own table of contents, enabling readers to find a pictorial definition of an object without necessarily knowing its name in advance. "Can't remember the name of a kangaroo's pouch?" Just flip to the "Marsupials & Monotremes" spread in "Ultimate Visual Dictionary" and find out. Or, turn the pages to discover the different components of the human body, identify the parts of a tractor, or figure out tricky sports terms.
Stunning color photography and detailed cutaway illustrations bring complex subjects to life, alongside straightforward explanations of basic principles and ideas. With this revised edition of DK's "Ultimate Visual Dictionary," readers will never again be at a loss for words.
672 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 1994
23 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
9,068 books2,083 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 8, 2010
OK, I am not actually reading this dictionary, but I'm doing what one does with great visual books: paging through, looking back and forth, comparing, trying to wedge a few ideas into my brain. I bought this lovely dictionary while working in a historical archive, looking at images from the early 19th century, and facing the same question again and again: What is that called? Is there a word for that? Since this is English, the answer is probably yes. This visual dictionary is extremely strong in some areas: e.g. architecture, human anatomy, and the mechanics of daily things. Weak in other areas, such as fashion and artisan tools.
November 6, 2023
I Often Borrowed this Book From my Brother, The Visuals are Amazing.
June 22, 2012
Title: Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. (2011). Ultimate visual dictionary. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley.
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper
Type: Dictionary
Call Number: REF 423
Brief Description: This dictionary uses photographs and illustrations to define terms related to nature, mechanics, and other areas through labeling.
Cost: $40.00
Review Citation: Awe, S. (2007). [Review of Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary by J. Corbeil and A. Archambault]. Booklist, 103(16), 70. *Review contains comparison to DK’s Ultimate Visual Dictionary.
Relevance and Relationship: This dictionary serves as a visual reference for students wishing to advance their vocabularies and their understanding of physical relationships between various topics through sight. As the library does not currently house a visual dictionary, this would be a useful addition to the collection. While there are other visual dictionaries available at comparable prices, this appears to be the most visually appealing, an important quality for a visual dictionary.
Purpose: It’s been said that “A picture is worth 1000 words.” This dictionary contains over 6000 color photos and illustrations presenting around 50,000 terms that allow students to see to understand terms. It will make a great reference for students studying the subjects covered in the book, which include plants, animals, the human body, physics, chemistry, and other topics relevant to many high school courses.
Validity: The dictionary is created and published by Dorling Kindersley and received favorable reviews in Booklist and Reference and Research Book Reviews.
Format: The dictionary is filled with visually impressive labeled photographs and illustrations.
Arrangement and Presentation: The book is grouped into 14 general categories that contain labeled photographs and illustrations. Each subcategory includes a few introductory paragraphs.
Diversity: Students who are visual learners and students who struggle with the English language or with their reading skills will benefit from this dictionary.
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper
Type: Dictionary
Call Number: REF 423
Brief Description: This dictionary uses photographs and illustrations to define terms related to nature, mechanics, and other areas through labeling.
Cost: $40.00
Review Citation: Awe, S. (2007). [Review of Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary by J. Corbeil and A. Archambault]. Booklist, 103(16), 70. *Review contains comparison to DK’s Ultimate Visual Dictionary.
Relevance and Relationship: This dictionary serves as a visual reference for students wishing to advance their vocabularies and their understanding of physical relationships between various topics through sight. As the library does not currently house a visual dictionary, this would be a useful addition to the collection. While there are other visual dictionaries available at comparable prices, this appears to be the most visually appealing, an important quality for a visual dictionary.
Purpose: It’s been said that “A picture is worth 1000 words.” This dictionary contains over 6000 color photos and illustrations presenting around 50,000 terms that allow students to see to understand terms. It will make a great reference for students studying the subjects covered in the book, which include plants, animals, the human body, physics, chemistry, and other topics relevant to many high school courses.
Validity: The dictionary is created and published by Dorling Kindersley and received favorable reviews in Booklist and Reference and Research Book Reviews.
Format: The dictionary is filled with visually impressive labeled photographs and illustrations.
Arrangement and Presentation: The book is grouped into 14 general categories that contain labeled photographs and illustrations. Each subcategory includes a few introductory paragraphs.
Diversity: Students who are visual learners and students who struggle with the English language or with their reading skills will benefit from this dictionary.
November 19, 2021
Great exploding diagrams of just about anything from the Human Body to the workings of musical instrument, to the universe itself.
No way I could really read this entire thing, but I did leaf through every page, stopping for those things that caught my interest.
A handy guide if you want to know about a certain subject, say the names of the parts of a flower or plants.
Seemed mostly relevant even though it is 20 years old now.
Cant pass up a DK book.
No way I could really read this entire thing, but I did leaf through every page, stopping for those things that caught my interest.
A handy guide if you want to know about a certain subject, say the names of the parts of a flower or plants.
Seemed mostly relevant even though it is 20 years old now.
Cant pass up a DK book.
June 8, 2021
Non-Fiction informational (Reference)
3-Adult
Full disclosure: I have not read every single one of the 672 pages in this visual dictionary. However, I have paged through it multiple times and looked up specific entries, and I absolutely love this as a classroom resource for middle grades, starting in third. The pictures are great, and the writing is well done.
There are 3 pages in the human body section that I would need to address before placing this book in the classroom. They are the reproductive systems pages (because our culture can't even scientifically address the physical features of our bodies without it being a major crisis).
3-Adult
Full disclosure: I have not read every single one of the 672 pages in this visual dictionary. However, I have paged through it multiple times and looked up specific entries, and I absolutely love this as a classroom resource for middle grades, starting in third. The pictures are great, and the writing is well done.
There are 3 pages in the human body section that I would need to address before placing this book in the classroom. They are the reproductive systems pages (because our culture can't even scientifically address the physical features of our bodies without it being a major crisis).
December 8, 2025
Read this book when I was 9. Got it as a birthday gift. I still have it of course and I just turned 40!
The diagrams are extremely detailed and intricate. I used to look at them for such a long time and loved it. I still love it now.
The diagrams are extremely detailed and intricate. I used to look at them for such a long time and loved it. I still love it now.
400-499-languages
January 13, 2020423.1
March 12, 2020
1994 1st American ed. Hb. Excellent condition.
August 20, 2023
Very best
Read
December 5, 2015Name: Joy Barnett
Type: Dictionary
Title: DK Ulitmate Visual Dictionary
Call Number: RF. 423.1 Dor
Brief description: This resource includes entries that are categorized by different aspects of science. Each entry includes a definition and explanation. Multiple cultured photographs are included with every entry.
Reviewed:
(1994, Dec.). [Review of book DK ultimate visual dictionary]. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/Dorling...
Criteria: Scope: This dictionary features pictures and definition for a wide variety of science terms. The terms span through all of the school’s science courses: physics, biology, and chemistry.
Accuracy/Authority: DK Publishing is an established publisher of reference texts. Accuracy and authority are established by the wide variety of scientific terms included in the text.
Arrangement/ Presentation: Each entry includes a definition and explanation. They also include multiple colored photographs.
Relation to other works: The collection includes other works published by DK. We also have a variety of other dictionaries in the collection.
Accessibility/ Diversity: Students of all levels will find this text accessible. The definitions and explanations are students friendly and the visual interpretations add an additional level of information for visual learners.
Cost: $35.93
(2000). Ultimate visual dictionary 2000. DK Publishing: London.
Type: Dictionary
Title: DK Ulitmate Visual Dictionary
Call Number: RF. 423.1 Dor
Brief description: This resource includes entries that are categorized by different aspects of science. Each entry includes a definition and explanation. Multiple cultured photographs are included with every entry.
Reviewed:
(1994, Dec.). [Review of book DK ultimate visual dictionary]. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/Dorling...
Criteria: Scope: This dictionary features pictures and definition for a wide variety of science terms. The terms span through all of the school’s science courses: physics, biology, and chemistry.
Accuracy/Authority: DK Publishing is an established publisher of reference texts. Accuracy and authority are established by the wide variety of scientific terms included in the text.
Arrangement/ Presentation: Each entry includes a definition and explanation. They also include multiple colored photographs.
Relation to other works: The collection includes other works published by DK. We also have a variety of other dictionaries in the collection.
Accessibility/ Diversity: Students of all levels will find this text accessible. The definitions and explanations are students friendly and the visual interpretations add an additional level of information for visual learners.
Cost: $35.93
(2000). Ultimate visual dictionary 2000. DK Publishing: London.
July 13, 2013
Ultimate Visual Dictionary.
Revised edition. DK Publishing, 2002. 672 pages.
Genre: Reference source
Recommended age level: Intermediate and Young adult (8+ years)
Subjects: the Universe, prehistoric Earth, plants, animals, the human body, geology, geography, meteorology, physics and chemistry, rail and road, sea and air, the visual arts, architecture, music, sports, everyday things
This incredible resource is both an encyclopedia and a dictionary. Dividing over 31,500 terms into 14 categories, Ultimate Visual Dictionary uses both words and pictures to help explain the world around us. Each of the approximately 7,000 full-colour photographs and illustrations has been painstakingly annotated in detail by a team of experts.
I find it difficult to place a recommended age level on this reference book, since adults will be as fascinated and informed by it as young people. The cutaways and exploded views bring meaning to subjects that would otherwise seem inaccessible to most people, and the language used is easily understood. From the inside of a volcano to the workings of the human ear, this resource had me enthralled. I highly recommend it as a reference book for students as well as inquisitive adults.
Genre: Reference source
Recommended age level: Intermediate and Young adult (8+ years)
Subjects: the Universe, prehistoric Earth, plants, animals, the human body, geology, geography, meteorology, physics and chemistry, rail and road, sea and air, the visual arts, architecture, music, sports, everyday things
This incredible resource is both an encyclopedia and a dictionary. Dividing over 31,500 terms into 14 categories, Ultimate Visual Dictionary uses both words and pictures to help explain the world around us. Each of the approximately 7,000 full-colour photographs and illustrations has been painstakingly annotated in detail by a team of experts.
I find it difficult to place a recommended age level on this reference book, since adults will be as fascinated and informed by it as young people. The cutaways and exploded views bring meaning to subjects that would otherwise seem inaccessible to most people, and the language used is easily understood. From the inside of a volcano to the workings of the human ear, this resource had me enthralled. I highly recommend it as a reference book for students as well as inquisitive adults.
Want to read
May 1, 2015Dorling Kindersley, Inc. (1994). Dorling Kindersley's ultimate visual dictionary. (1st American ed.). London ; New York: Dorling Kindersley.
Citation by:
Amelia Ford
Type of reference:
Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 413
Content/Scope:
The ultimate guide to describing the world in which we live. This reference presents a huge range of information from a unique perspective, with more than 33,000 terms explained.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
It is the same team that worked on Merriam-Webster’s version of a visual dictionary and publisher is well-known.
Arrangement/Presentation:
There are pictures with labels, as well as their definitions.
Relation to other works:
This resource will provide a visual alternative to the other dictionaries in the collection.
Accessibility/Diversity:
The visual aspect of the book is great for visual learners and it will also assist those English Language learners.
Cost:
29.95
Professional Review:
DK Ultimate Visual Dictionary 2000.(Book Review)(Brief Article) (Vol. 96). (2000). American Library Association.
Citation by:
Amelia Ford
Type of reference:
Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 413
Content/Scope:
The ultimate guide to describing the world in which we live. This reference presents a huge range of information from a unique perspective, with more than 33,000 terms explained.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
It is the same team that worked on Merriam-Webster’s version of a visual dictionary and publisher is well-known.
Arrangement/Presentation:
There are pictures with labels, as well as their definitions.
Relation to other works:
This resource will provide a visual alternative to the other dictionaries in the collection.
Accessibility/Diversity:
The visual aspect of the book is great for visual learners and it will also assist those English Language learners.
Cost:
29.95
Professional Review:
DK Ultimate Visual Dictionary 2000.(Book Review)(Brief Article) (Vol. 96). (2000). American Library Association.
January 23, 2009
Not as much a dictionary as an illustrative book on miscellaneous topics, weighted heavily on hard science. The pictures are, as you would expect, stunning and very detailed. Entries on each page are easily to read and content is interesting. I would recommend it ages 10-18.
The only drawbacks are the $39.95 price tag - a little high for the content (who was the intended audience?) and the fact the book is oversize, in case that's a concern. Otherwise interesting read, and worthwhile to have in the library or classroom.
The only drawbacks are the $39.95 price tag - a little high for the content (who was the intended audience?) and the fact the book is oversize, in case that's a concern. Otherwise interesting read, and worthwhile to have in the library or classroom.
Read
April 30, 2014A revised and updated version of the DK classic. Explaining the world around us with a unique marriage of words and pictures, the Ultimate Visual Dictionary is a treasure trove of knowledge for the entire family. Cutaways and exploded views provide new perspectives on everything from the inside of a volcano to the inner working of a computer. Using more than 6,000 full-color photographs and illustrations, this easy-to-use reference covers everything from prehistoric Earth and science, to sports, art, and music. Now updated and expanded for 2002!
January 28, 2009
Okay, so this book is awesome. If you are someone who loves to know totally useless information, meet your bible. Hold it, love it, gaze upon its pictures and read it outloud to whomever might be around. Fruits are ovaries, by the way. Fully-developed ones. How about them apples? Well, they are a false fruit. So... insert a "Good Will Hunting" quote here.
August 12, 2012
This book is 5 stars. I give this edition 4 because the page numbers in the index don't match up with the actual pages (I'm guessing they didn't redo them from the hardcover. Buy that one if you can).
I first saw this book on the desk of the graphics editor at the newspaper I worked for. Essential reference manual just to have, let alone use for any kind of work.
I first saw this book on the desk of the graphics editor at the newspaper I worked for. Essential reference manual just to have, let alone use for any kind of work.
March 6, 2008
i'll always own one of these - this is the best i've found though.
September 25, 2008
This is one of the best quick reference guides I have ever seen. It discusses pretty much everything in quick, understandable terms. Highly, highly recommended.
November 11, 2013
great for impromptu writing exercises
September 19, 2012
Great reference work. Almost on a par with the German Bildwoerterbuch. Nice place to figure out esoteric names of things.
September 13, 2016
Nice pictures.
January 22, 2015
It's a big heavy reference book. It covers a lot of specialized topics that most people don't care.
May 18, 2015
i love this book;)
May 7, 2016
This isn't the sort of book you normally read through, but it is a wonderful, colorful, and very highly recommended reference. I love it.
February 27, 2013
เก็บเป็นข้อมูลวาดรูปได้ดีครับ ชัดเจน เข้าใจง่าย เด็กสนุกที่จะดู และค้นหาข้อมูลทำการบ้าน
April 16, 2017
This can be used as a pleasant way to teach English to children. Otherwise it is cute, but not very useful.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews