I purchased the latest edition of this dictionary to replace a well thumbed 1980's edition. The English Language has been added to significantly since that edition which is now falling apart so it's replacement is most welcome. The new format takes a while to get used to but as an avid crossword solver I find a good dictionary is invaluable and this is a good one at a very fair price.
Very useful to have this as the "grandad" of the Collins dictionaries. A very good "go to" for definitive clarification of definitions and nuances of meaning.
While the paper is a tad like rice paper it does the job, I guess if the paper was a thicker quality you would be paping a higher price. Not something I would mind. The content is a good dictionary.
Only frequent reference can determine the merit of content but I have no reason to doubt that it is anything other than excellent.
An impressive good quality cover marred by necessity to remove large adhesive label attached to outside rear. Pages disappointingly thin - almost inseparable - unlikely to withstand frequent use. A thumb-index would greatly facilitate access.
A work eminently more suited to a two, even three volume publication to improve paper quality and longevity. I am of the unwavering opinion that " Pronunciation Key " pages in all dictionaries should be of a different colour and of a more substantial nature.
Finally, these are comments not complaints perhaps more appropriately conveyed to Collins!