Henry George Liddell (1811–1898)

This one-volume abridgement of the massive eighty-volume (at last count) Greek-English Lexicon by Liddell and Scott is simply a must for any serious student of ancient Greek. It covers everything from Homeric Greek, through classical Attic, and on to Koine (the Greek of the New Testament). An amazing accomplishment, comparable in scope to the OED, this book represents the combined work of many, many fine scholars.

I have used this since the first year I studied Greek, and am thrilled to finally have my own copy!… (més)

The value of this work is shown by the fact that it is still in print, in almost the same form as when Dean Liddell published it, and that there are two different abridged editions. Few dictionaries in any language can compare. It could perhaps be modernized, and the koine added, but for true classical works, it remains sufficient.

And the minor point that the senior author was the father of Alice (and Lorina, and Edith) Liddell just adds to the fun. My edition was actually being revised as Alice in Wonderland was working its way through the press.

Of course, you need to have an interest in classical Greek to want it....… (més)