Shakespeares Words: A Glossary and Language CompanionCrystal, Ben, Crystal, David by David Crystal, Ben Crystal

Shakespeares Words: A Glossary and Language CompanionCrystal, Ben, Crystal, David Reviews

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  Pistache28

  I have bought this dictionary to help me understand the language of Shakespeare and I must say that it is extremely complete : it is probably one of the best that exists!
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  Mrs. K. A. Wheatley

  This is basically a dictionary of Shakespeare. It is well laid out, easy to use and informative. It gives definitions for all the words you may come across in the text which you are struggling with. It also gives meanings to words which have changed over the years and which we might read differently to a contemporary of Shakespeare.You might think that you don't need this because if you have a good copy of the play text it will give you a glossary with it. I have however recently been studying Taming of the Shrew, using a highly recommended play text, and not all the words were included in the glossary. I also found that as words are often quite nebulous it was interesting to look them up both in the play glossary and Crystal's book because they sometimes differ slightly and enrich my understanding.There are several other useful features of this book. Each definition offers examples from the plays in which they are used, which can be great for comparison purposes, even if the play quoted is not the one you are reading. There are also mini lessons on certain styles of speaking contemporary with the time, and a potted history of each play.This is not an inexpensive book, it is however, what I would class as an invaluable book for those serious about understanding Shakespeare and wanting to get the most out of his language.
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  TheTheatreMan

  This has to be the most handy book I have ever bought in my life! It is definitely something every drama student needs!! It has every word from Shakespeare's plays in, tells you what plays that word is used in corresponding to what the word means in that context! I hope that makes sense anyway! It is worth every penny and you may think you're a poor student or actor etc etc, but my word it is the single most useful thing you can buy to help you through your drama school years! Or English degree or whatever! Even if you're a fan of Shakespeare or want to try and get in to his plays buy this!! It will make all the pennies drop at once and all of his plays will finally make some sort of sense!
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  BookCat

  I studied Shakespeare at school and uni and am familiar with the lingo; however, I find myself referring to this tome for the exact meanings of words whose use has changed.The most use I have made of this book has been during those moments when I haven't had time to get into a novel, but want something to occupy my mind, for example, while waiting for something to cook. Then I'll open it at any page and find interesting knowledge which increases my understanding of Shakespeare's language.A must for students and anyone with a love of Shakespeare.The reason I've given only four stars is its enormous size and weight (like a concise dictionary) and lack of portability.
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  john morgan

  Excellent list and meaning of WS useage, good cross referencing, listing of key and secondary meanings tight. Easy to read.
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  Brian Last

  A dictionary for those who want to find reference crossovers. Some people still believe Shakespeare's vocabulary is hard or obscure but looking at this book should sis peel that myth: there are so many that we still use and with the same meaning. A small quibble: some of the bawdy references are not there but there are other ways of understanding these puns and jokes. And who am I to quibble with Crystal anyway?