The Cambridge Greek Lexicon 2 Volume Hardback Set

As a former Classics undergraduate, and someone who continues to read Greek and Latin on a regular basis, this book is perfect for someone like me. Reviewers have said this will not replace LSJ. In general, that is true. But for me specially, in my house, it will most certainly replace LSJ. (Anybody want to buy a used copy?) LSJ is jam-packed full of information that will lead you down a fascinating rabbit-hole (if that's where you want to go), but it's packed so tightly that it's difficult to read, and difficult to scan through an entry to find what you are looking for. This book solves that problem with extremely readable, well-organized, easy-to-decipher entries. It is as complete and comprehensive as LSJ, but does not include very many citations. In lieu of citations, it looks like they opted for clarity. And I'm ok with that. That said, you might want to think twice about ordering it from Amazon, because they do not pack/ship it correctly. I received damaged copies twice. The huge, two-volume box-set sits loose in a cardboard box, bumbling and jumbling around across the nation's great highways. I would recommend they put some bubble wrap around it, but I fear the people who need to know won't see this. As a contrast, we ordered a new shower mat which arrived the same day. A simple rubber mat with suction cups on the bottom. It was in a long box, rolled up and completely ensconced with those plastic air pockets protecting it from every side. Go figure. 🤷

I am glad to have a Greek lexicon with a more contemporary perspective. I am a a little disappointed in the range of sources. It is not a deal breaker. My interest is post middle platonists, that is to say neo-platonism and Greek magic papyri. I guess you could say awkwardly later Greek writers writing classical Greek which takes various forms; I realize PGM's Greek is not classical, but it does expose many classical Greek "sentiments". For that I still rely on the LSJ and Socrates's Byzantine Greek lexicons, but I am tempted to try reading though the Victorian fog that pervades the LSJ. I think think this lexicon will help in that endeavor. I am less interested in Greek, eastern, and Greco-Roman Christianity per se, but cannot completely ignore those sources. In any event, I cannot but reccomened this lexicon. The design format is clear and easy, the type is sharp, margins are good, good introduction; overall eminently readable . My only suggestion would be I think it might be better served with thumb indexes.

I really like the way this lexicon was printed; for some reason it is very easy on the eyes. Also, the paper is a nice thickness and appears to be of good quality. I especially like the way the definitions are laid out; I have LSJ and also the new Brill, but I find myself going to the Cambridge simply because it is very easy to go through the definitions the specific way it presents them. In addition, the price is very good and will make this a popular lexicon. So, what is the con? The Cambridge, while of considerable size, is not as complete as LSJ; I have found words in LSJ that are not in the Cambridge. The Brill is more complete and sometimes has entries for words not even in LSJ, but overall, LSJ seems to be a more complete dictionary. But I would recommend owning both the Cambridge and the Brill, if you can afford them (LSJ is of course online). While I still see LSJ as an extraordinary lexicon, both of these other dictionaries often give different nuances to words that are helpful when translating.

Like one of my fellow reviewers I'm a retired pathologist (73 y/o in my case). My emphasis is the classical repertoire: tragic, epic and lyric poetry, and some Plato & Aristotle. Having burned through two LSJ paperback editions which are completely falling apart, I'm enjoying this very nice affordable hardbound lexicon. It would seem to be more durable than its paperback counterparts. Pleasant to use and the format and content seem appropriate for my needs so far.

This review is from the perspective of an 83 year old retired pathologist with a very modest reading knowledge of ancient Greek. I've found the book extremely clear and easy to understand, starting with the highly legible Greek font. I'm not familiar with Liddell and Scott, so I have nothing to compare it to. I'm more proficient with Koine than with Attic, and its resources on Koine are limited.

Definitions are brief, but it is a low cost useful modern supplement to Liddell and Scott.

I have been learning English for more than forty-five years in Japan. In learning English, knowledge of etymology, or origins of English words help you increase your English vocabulary dramatically. Many English words derive from classical languages such as Latin and Greek, and I have always wanted to know exact meaning of words originated in Classical Greek. This two-volume laborious lexicon meets my need for understanding Classical Greek words and it also invites me to the new world deeply rooted inside the western civilization.

Este é o segundo dicionário de grego antigo que adquiro e devo confessar que estou muito satisfeito. A maneira como esta obra foi organizada facilita a consulta e estimula o estudo da língua e dos textos sobre o quais nos debruçamos. Recomendo para os não muito familiarizados com o grego antigo ou os que estão começando seu estudo.

Congratulations for this excellent publication. A Lexicon that waited since long time ago.

Hace un tiempo estuve rastreando un buen Lexicon de griego antiguo y había encontrado que el Liddell-Scott era el mejor trabajo al respecto. En esa búsqueda me encontré con varias reseñas en inglés de un Lexicon que recién se publicó el año pasado (The Cambridge Greek Lexicon, 2021). Los argumentos que se esbozaban a favor de este Lexicon, por ejemplo, la traducción sin pelos en la lengua de conceptos que en el victoriano Liddell-Scott se censuraron, me convencieron de darle una oportunidad y ahora estoy sumamente satisfecho con esta compra porque literalmente vale su peso en oro. (El precio de los dos volúmenes es una ganga.) La excelencia de este trabajo no es gratuita, tómese en cuenta que un equipo de especialistas dedicaron más de 20 años de su vida para ofrecernos esta hermosa y cuidadosa edición. Este trabajo no es recomendable para quien está comenzando su aprendizaje de griego antiguo, sino más bien para quien está transitando del nivel intermedio al avanzado, siendo de mayor utilidad para estos últimos en términos de traducción.