"The Compact Oxford" is, indeed, quite compact. Given its 1100 or more pages, it is lighter and more manageable than many of the bulkier tomes on the market. Though not exactly a portable version - it won't really fit in a pocket, briefcase, or bag - it will fit on a desk or workspace, and it is the sort of thing you could carry around the house without inconvenience.

In terms of its contents, it has to be said that it is more of a dictionary than a thesaurus. Each page is divided into two sections, the top part of the page being the dictionary entries. Beneath, select words are given thesaurus entries. The dictionary part gets considerably greater prominence than the thesaurus; you get the sense that in order to keep down bulk and weight (compare it to the much bigger "Oxford Dictionary, Thesaurus and Wordpower Guide" or the "Collins Dictionary & Thesaurus"), the publishers have sacrificed the scope of the thesaurus rather than compromise on the scale of the dictionary. But then again, the dictionary entries themselves do give you a number of synonyms and alternatives for the word.

Print quality is excellent - small, but crisp and legible (though you may still need glasses). Paper quality is strong and robust without feeling cheap. It's a well organised and useful book (once you get used to looking at both the dictionary and the thesaurus elements), and, if you'll forgive the expression, it handles well - most people will find it easy to pick up or put back on the shelf.

But, I always caution that when it comes to buying a dictionary or thesaurus, go look at the variety on sale in your local bookshop. You know what you need them for - they're books which should last you a lifetime, so they should be very personal choices. Have a look, get a feel for them, see if they suit your needs, your pocket, your lifestyle.

"The Compact Oxford" is, indeed, quite compact. Given its 1100 or more pages, it is lighter and more manageable than many of the bulkier tomes on the market. Though not exactly a portable version - it won't really fit in a pocket, briefcase, or bag - it will fit on a desk or workspace, and it is the sort of thing you could carry around the house without inconvenience.

In terms of its contents, it has to be said that it is more of a dictionary than a thesaurus. Each page is divided into two sections, the top part of the page being the dictionary entries. Beneath, select words are given thesaurus entries. The dictionary part gets considerably greater prominence than the thesaurus; you get the sense that in order to keep down bulk and weight (compare it to the much bigger "Oxford Dictionary, Thesaurus and Wordpower Guide" or the "Collins Dictionary & Thesaurus"), the publishers have sacrificed the scope of the thesaurus rather than compromise on the scale of the dictionary. But then again, the dictionary entries themselves do give you a number of synonyms and alternatives for the word.

Print quality is excellent - small, but crisp and legible (though you may still need glasses). Paper quality is strong and robust without feeling cheap. It's a well organised and useful book (once you get used to looking at both the dictionary and the thesaurus elements), and, if you'll forgive the expression, it handles well - most people will find it easy to pick up or put back on the shelf.

But, I always caution that when it comes to buying a dictionary or thesaurus, go look at the variety on sale in your local bookshop. You know what you need them for - they're books which should last you a lifetime, so they should be very personal choices. Have a look, get a feel for them, see if they suit your needs, your pocket, your lifestyle.