The linguist searching for an unfamiliar term in another language may nowadays turn first to the wide range of multilingual dictionaries freely available via the internet. However, for more specialist subject areas there remains a need for a printed source to which the researcher may turn without the necessity of extensive searching via internet search engines. The volume under review is an excellent example of the themed dictionary, which specialists in the field of psychology and psychiatry will surely welcome as a handy resource.
The volume is, in fact, a revised edition of a work first published in 1995 under the title Wiley's English‐Spanish and Spanish‐English Dictionary of Psychology and Psychiatry. The dictionary has now been brought up‐to‐date with the introduction of terminology reflecting the latest developments in the field; at the same time it has doubled in size and now contains over 100,000 entries with the aim of providing the most comprehensive and up‐to‐date dictionary in its field. The work aims to cover all disciplines and sub‐disciplines of psychology and psychiatry, both research‐based and clinical. Compiler Steven M. Kaplan is already responsible for a number of Spanish/English dictionaries in areas as diverse as chemistry, electrical and electronics engineering as well as law and business. The internet was used extensively throughout the preparation of this dictionary to establish a consensus of terminology among specialists in this field. Typography ensures that the volume is easy to use.
The compiler offers a somewhat unusual dedication to “nice people, most especially those that are also tolerant, open‐minded, and independent thinkers. It is dedicated to those who are honest, respectful, considerate, and kind with others”. Compiler Kaplan continues with a criticism of today's society, which, he feels, rewards inter alia lies, greed, and intolerance. He adds, “It takes authentic courage to be a nice person in this world, and you really do make a difference”. One wonders whether users of the dictionary will feel themselves a nicer person for acquiring the present volume.
With almost 1,200 pages this is clearly not a handy vademecum for the pockets of the psychiatrist's white coat. With a price tag of £175 even the average consultant would need to consider carefully his requirement for this volume. Nevertheless, for the consultant dealing with Spanish‐speaking patients or wishing to use professional literature in Spanish this volume should prove well worth the substantial outlay. As online access via mobile phones and pocket‐sized digital tablets become more widely available the market for printed dictionaries may begin to be replaced by online resources enabling the specialist to check terminology whilst on the move. The work should also prove useful to the wider community of those working in the mental health professions as well as educators, students and translators of professional literature. It deserves a place too on the shelves of the university and hospital departmental libraries, especially in the USA, where there is a large Spanish‐speaking population, as well as in libraries in Spain and its former colonial territories in South America.
