Book Review of The New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary, by Mariano Velazquez de la Cadena, et al. - Tundraco's Guide for the Frustrated Writer

Tundraco's Guide for the Frustrated Writer
The New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary

The New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary
Revised for the 21st Century
By Mariano Velazquez de la Cadena, Edward Gray, and Juan L. Iribas
Newly Revised by Ida Navarro Hinojosa, Manuel Blanco-González, and R. J. Nelson
Velázquez Press, 2005
ISBN: 1-59495-000-8

Reviewed by Herbert White - November 30, 2007

In publication since 1852, the Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary has been the premier Spanish English bilingual dictionary. The New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary is a comprehensive and multi-featured dictionary that carries on the high standard of excellence set forth by its predecessor. This new edition of the Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary has been fully revised and updated to meet the needs of the 21st Century.

This outstanding dictionary features more than a quarter of a million self-pronouncing entries, including scientific, technical, and political terms such as protoplasm, paleontologist, Geiger counter, internet, diaphragmatic, ophthalmia, anarchism, and libertarian. In fact, in the course of reviewing this book I randomly searched for numerous English and Spanish medical, scientific, and cultural terms that are often difficult to find in most bilingual dictionaries. To my amazement, I found every word that I looked for in this dictionary! In addition to being, in my opinion, the most comprehensive English - Spanish bilingual dictionary on the market, the New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary also has a host of extra features including grammar notations, a detailed synopsis of both Spanish and English, regional variations of terms, as well as idioms and colloquialisms unique to North American, Latin American, and Castilian Spanish.

The New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary is divided into two parts. The first part of the book contains the Spanish to English dictionary, and the second part consists of the English to Spanish dictionary. The synopsis of Spanish is presented in English, and the synopsis of English is presented in Spanish. In addition, the text includes several helpful appendixes, in Spanish and English that include such items as a list of common proper names, list of abbreviations, geographical terms, weights and measurements, and monetary units. In addition, the text includes thumb tabs, to make it easy to search for Spanish and English words, or their translations.

In the realm of bilingual Spanish and English dictionaries, New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary is by far the most comprehensive and up-to-date dictionary that I've come across. Most important - especially for students, this dictionary is extremely affordable, with a list price of only US$ 27.95. If you are a student of Spanish or English, don't waste your time or your money on a lesser dictionary - just go for the best, you'll not be disappointed. As well, if you're a writer, seeking to add a bit of realism to your novel and are looking for colloquialisms or common Spanish or English idioms to add to your work, New Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary is the dictionary you should use. It is accurate, up-to-date, and authoritative and has a long tradition of being the best bilingual Spanish - English dictionary on the market. This dictionary will also prove a practical addition to every medical, legal, and public office that deals with bilingual clients.

It should be noted that the type sized used in this book is very tiny, although very clear. Mature or visually impaired individuals may find it difficult to read this dictionary without the aid of a magnifier due to its print size. However, an alternative is available. If you need, or desire, a large print bilingual Spanish - English dictionary, I highly recommend the Velázquez Large Print Spanish and English Dictionary.