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Yes, used copies of the first-edition Compact OED are a great option. They don't take much space or cost much money: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/304361514092 https:
by leoc 4y ago
Yes, used copies of the first-edition Compact OED are a great option. They don't take much space or cost much money: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/304361514092 https://www.ebay.ie/itm/304361514092 . They only give you the first edition of the OED and the first, 1933, Supplement, but that's really a solid 80%+ solution to the not-having-an-OED problem. Used copies of the current compact edition are significantly dearer, but for many people not unthinkably expensive.
- jasomill 4y agoNot unthinkably expensive at all, at least compared to retail: Amazon lists several new copies of the second compact edition at $400–500. Adjusting for inflation, that's comparable to the $273 retail I paid Amazon for my copy in 2002. As with many other commenters, it remains one of my most prized possessions, and something I still use on a regular basis. I'd personally be wary of used copies purchased sight unseen, as the paper is quite thin and easily torn, even under arguably "moderate" use, and would probably save up for a new copy if buying today. If nothing else, the used copies tend to be missing the supplementary materials (slipcase, magnifying glass, user's guide).