When I did classics at school, the emphasis was on language. Now the subject is treated in a
much broader manner, and the third edition of this classic reference work reflects the expanded scope
of classical studies.
For instance, the dictionary now has substantial coverage of women in the ancient world, with
entries on abortion, motherhood, and even breast-feeding. This broader approach means that there is now scope for the inclusion of sexuality, including homosexuality, love and friendship, contraception , and pornography.
Geographically, there are extra details on Asia and the far east, with entries ranging from Gandhara to the Persian Gulf. In addition, new thematic articles reflect the current emphasis on
multidisciplinary approaches to classical studies.
These articles include anthropology and the classics, Marxism and classical antiquity, and literary theory
and classical studies; while others examine issues of general interest to modern
readers such as race, class struggle, ethnicity, alcoholism, incest, propaganda,
suicide, pollution, and much more. Bibliographies follow most entries and you can
add you own annotations.
With over 6,000 entries ranging from long articles to brief definitions, the OCD is
more like an encyclopedia rather than a dictionary. The search system is particularly
easy to use and takes full advantage of the CD-ROM format. You can follow up lines
of inquiry via numerous hyperlinks in a fraction of the time it would take with the
arm-bending printed version, and you can construct powerful searches.
For example, the foundation module of the Open University's MA in Classical Studies includes 'Historical writing in the ancient world' and with the OCD you can start with the substantial article on
Roman historiography and follow some 60 hyperlinks for a thorough exploration of
the subject and embark on a similar odyssey with Greek historiography. The OCD is
also useful for other courses such as literary studies, where classical allusions are a standard feature of much poetry and prose.
Many electronic reference works now include Internet links, and some would have been
welcome in the OCD - for instance, to the Classical Association and the Institute of
Classical Studies which feature further useful links. As a combined dictionary and mini-encyclopedia, it's good value, so if you don't know your Araros (son of Aristophanes) from your Elam (ancient kingdom in SW Iran) - then this is the reference tool for you.
