Bilingual Visual Dictionary: Italian

Advantages: Plenty of informal language
Disadvantages: No pronunciation guide

...'. Neither would I have guessed that @2m1 meant 'A demain' (See you tomorrow). Of course the French abbreviate language in text messages just as we do, so 'm jvb' stands for 'Moi, je vais bien' (I'm fine). These abbreviations aside, I have to say that most of the expressions and vocabulary here can also be found in my edition of the Collins-Robert French Dictionary. This dictionary indicates how offensive particular phrases are by the use of asterisks, one meaning informal, two 'handle with care', and three signalling 'danger'. However, whilst any good bilingual dictionary should include this kind of language with information on suitability of use in various situations, the big advantage that 'Hide This French Book' has is that it's small enough to fit in a backpack or large handbag, as well as weighing next to nothing. The book is easy to use... Read review

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Advantages: The Italian in Action supplement is great, easy to use,
Disadvantages: Not as nicely presented as other Collins dictionaries (ie with colour)

...I've been learning Italian for just under a year now and I'm planning on taking my Foundation level GCSE this summer. One of the first things I set about doing was finding a decent dictionary that would easily get me through GCSE and perhaps further, and the Collins Italian Dictionary was certainly a great addtion to my ever-growing collection of dictionaries. Since starting French and German I've always been a fan of the 'Easy Learning' dictionaries from Collins - which clearly set out each entry and have a lot of essential set expressions linked to the that entry. However, these dictionaries don't get far beyond GCSE level simply because of the vocabulary they contain, so I had high hopes for the Collins Italian Dictionary (because it was made by the same people but wasn't part of the Easy Learning range). And I haven't been... Read review

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Advantages: A bit of fun for Francophile cat-lovers
Disadvantages: It probably won't help you pass a French exam

...Are you thinking of house-sitting in France next summer, and are worried that you won't be able to communicate with your hosts' cat? Then this is just the book for you. When the cat says meow, is it trying to say, "Here comes a fur ball," or "I did not break that vase"? All will be revealed in Henry Beard's mini bilingual book of catspeak. With English phrases given first followed by French translations in italics and accompanied by illuminating illustrations, each page gives us a rare insight into the inner workings of a feline brain. We are first introduced to The Major Cat Parts (of the body), and these are followed by The Basic Cat Wardrobe consisting of a bell, flea and tick collar, and name tag. When we proceed to the section on Cat Names, puss starts to voice his opinions quite firmly: "I will answer to Serafina, Caesar," etc... Read review

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