Reference Lewis and Short: An Elementary Latin Dictionary. v0.5. 26 Feb 2011

[Hal_9k]

This is a very basic attempt to transform the Perseus Project's XML Lewis and Short Elementary Latin dictionary into a mobi/Kindle format. You may rather be interested in the smaller but more coherent Latin dictionary based on Whitaker's Words.

There is a development .tar.bz2 file for anyone looking to continue working on the XSLT transformation, and a mobi file for anyone who wants to see how functional the dictionary is at the moment.

Note: this dictionary is very rough! Please feel free to improve the XSLT file! If you're a beginner learning Latin, the alternative dictionary based on Whitaker's Words will be more useful.

This work is in the Canadian public domain OR the copyright holder has given specific permission for distribution. It may still be under copyright in some countries. If you live outside Canada, check your country's copyright laws. If the book is under copyright in your country, do not download or redistribute this work.

To report a copyright violation you can contact us here.

[darseno]

Originally Posted by Hal_9k

This is a very basic attempt to transform the Perseus Project's XML Lewis and Short Elementary Latin dictionary into a mobi/Kindle format.

How fast can you look up a given word? I don't have a Kindle, so I don't know how the dictionary works. I assume you have to leave the book you're reading, call up the dictionary, type in the word, read the definition, and return to the book, which must take quite some time.

I was thinking about trying to convert this very dictionary, since I always keep a printed copy of Lewis's Elementary handy when reading Latin on my device. It's the only dictionary that's both complete enough to actually be useful and compact enough to be convenient.

An electronic version would be a space saver, but will it be a time saver?

[Hal_9k]

Lookup is near instantaneous. (Algorithmically I should imagine that it is quite easy for a computer to search a dictionary anyway.)

Theoretically you could set the dictionary as the default dictionary so you didn't have to leave the text. Keep in mind though that this file isn't currently very usable. I posted it more as a proof of concept as I currently lack the time to improve it. Load it up with the Kindle Previewer software, or the standalone computer application to have a look.

[darseno]

Originally Posted by Hal_9k

Load it up with the Kindle Previewer software, or the standalone computer application to have a look.

I assume this software is Windows-only, and all I have is Linux. But thanks for the reply.

Are you interested in the Classics? Would you be interested in starting an online ebook database for Latin and Greek?

[Hal_9k]

I only run Ubuntu, but use the software with WINE. I mostly work from printed materials, but the dictionary was just something that could save time. I suppose you have already heard of the Perseus project.

[darseno]

I also prefer printed books, but they're so expensive and bulky. I like to take my reading material with me everywhere I go. I always worry about damaging my precious books.

[iohannes_brun]

I did a similar job, I converted this dictionary into various formats:
- Kindle .mobi (with full definitions - so it's a little bit bigger than your version)
- StarDict format (computer, Android, iPhone)
- epub (searching only through Table of Contents)

(Everything for free just with a voluntary contribution.)

See my webpage: www.litteraelatinae.eu .

I managed also to create a Kindle-version that can handle the forms of words (with some exceptions and limitations - it's only an experimental version) - so you don't have to search words manually. This new version is now available on Amazon, but I'm going to publish it sometime also on my website .

[darseno]

Iohanne,

Antea illud lexicon in forma libri scriptum mecum trahendum erat, quod incommodum est; nunc autem eodem lexico in forma electronica quod benigne componisti in dies utor. Multum latinitati profuisti, care Iohanne, multasque gratias ago quod hoc opus fecisti.

Vale.

[iohannes_brun]

In meo situ nunc nova et multo melior versio lexici Ludovici medii inveniri potest, quae iam et formas (verum etiam ambiguas!) verborum cognoscere valet.

Inspiciatis situm meum. Quod si vobis placebit, parvam donationem quaeso consideretis.

[veezh]

For those who read Latin on the Kindle, it's worth noting that the entries in iohannes_brun's excellent dictionary also contain macrons. The dictionary also recognises words in texts where macrons have been added. Very useful indeed!