Nabokov's Dictionary

A quick note

In the comments section of On Writing, Part Two, one reader—Weston Combs—asks, “Which dictionary did Nabokov prefer?” The answer is the original Webster’s New International, 2nd Edition, in its full form.

There are somewhat smaller versions of the same edition from the same period, still quite hefty but lacking all the features and frills of the absolutely comprehensive version. You will know the correct one by its binding, which is a full 6 ½ inches in width.

It really is one of the marvels of single-volume English (or American English) dictionaries, often far superior to the OED for the clarity and elegance of the definitions it offers. If you can find a copy, lay hold of it greedily and refuse to let go until it is your very own.