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Book Review: by Lang Reid

Thailex Thailand Travel Dictionary

When is a dictionary not a dictionary? Probably when it is really a digital encyclopedia, and this is exactly what compiler (editor?) Yves Masure has managed to do with this 4th edition of his informative CD called Thailex. (The previous editions were known as the Thailand Lexicon of Cultural History, but Masure has made the title more ‘user friendly’.)
Make no mistake about this unique production. It is not a travel guide (like Lonely Planet or where to stay in Thailand for $5 a day), it is not a simple dictionary or simply an illustrated guide to Thailand. It is an encyclopedia with literally thousands of facts at the click of a mouse. It is also multi-lingual, being produced in the three languages of English, Thai and Dutch. Again the choice is yours with a mouse click. Masure also suggests that this can assist the reader to become more familiar with Thai, as well as his or her native tongue.
Being the 4th edition of this e-book has also meant that Masure has refined the concept, as well as added further items for the reader to explore. Not only are the items described, but many have color photographs as well, to add to the complete coverage of the subjects, which is done in enormous detail.
The CD is the result of much work by the author Yves Masure, who spent the last few years compiling the CD. Masure had previously spent ten years escorting international tour groups on travel adventures and treks throughout many areas of Thailand. On these tours he took his camera, and more than 1,000 selected high quality images are included on this CD.
The Thailex Thailand Travel Dictionary is arranged in electronic pages, with navigation as per the usual internet methods, complete with back and forward buttons and links to other parts of the CD.
Even though I had used and reviewed this a couple of years ago, in its previous form, it was still difficult to review as I would become so interested in some particular aspect that I would read it and then follow the links to further sections, and on and on!
The sections include Geography, with a map of Thailand and regional and provincial maps, which have been expanded and are interactive. Religion and Mythology are covered along with Architecture and Iconography. The topics are numerous - History and Monarchy, Art and Literature, Traditions and Utensils, Ethnology and Hill Tribes, Nature and Gastronomy, Cities and Places of Interest and Crafts and Skills.
The data is enormous, and for anyone with an interest in Thailand, the CD will open up new frontiers.
This e-book is superior to a printed book even if just in the fact that it contains so much data and photographs, and yet is so compact. Ideal to send overseas, to show just where and why we are here!
It should be available in Bookazine and all good bookstores for an RRP of B. 900, and worth every single baht. It will give you entertainment for hour after hour, and a wonderful educational resource for your children.

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