Oxford Illustrated Shakespeare Dictionary

by David Crystal, Ben Crystal

The Oxford Illustrated Shakespeare Dictionary is the first of its kind, a brand new illustrated alphabetical dictionary of all the words and meanings students of Shakespeare need to know. Every word has an example sentence selected from the twelve most studied plays including Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Henry V. Usage notes and theatre notes provide additional background to Shakespearean times and the performance of his plays.
Further support is provided by language panels on select topics like the humors, swearing, and stage directions, and full-color illustrated thematic spreads on special feature topics from clothes and armor to music and recreation. The dictionary is easy to use with its clear signposting, accessible design, and expertly levelled contemporary look and feel. It is the perfect support for a better understanding of Shakespeare, created by renowned authors Professor David Crystal and actor Ben Crystal, a father and son team who combine for the first time the academic and the theatre, bringing together language, literature, and lexicography in this unique Shakespeare dictionary of global appeal.

Genres: Shakespeare, Nonfiction, Reference, Collections

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2015

About the author

David Crystal works from his home in Holyhead, North Wales, as a writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster. Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland in 1941, he spent his early years in Holyhead. His family moved to Liverpool in 1951, and he received his secondary schooling at St Mary's College. He read English at University College London (1959-62), specialised in English language studies, did some research there at the Survey of English Usage under Randolph Quirk (1962-3), then joined academic life as a lecturer in linguistics, first at Bangor, then at Reading. He published the first of his 100 or so books in 1964, and became known chiefly for his research work in English language studies, in such fields as intonation and stylistics, and in the application of linguistics to religious, educational and clinical contexts, notably in the development of a range of linguistic profiling techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. He held a chair at the University of Reading for 10 years, and is now Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor. These days he divides his time between work on language and work on internet applications.

source: http://www.davidcrystal.com/

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dictionary has over 4000 Shakespearean words, which are clearly defined and also shown in context, with sentences taken from the twelve most studied and performed of Shakespeare’s plays. As well as being useful if you are studying Shakespeare, there is also a pronunciation guide and warning notes if the words have changed meaning. In fact, this is much more than a dictionary; as well as explaining, and defining, the words used in Shakespeare’s plays, this book helps put the vocabulary of Shakespeare in context. This colourful dictionary also contains information about all kinds of Elizabethan society – from the types of swords and daggers used, to clothes worn, a map of Shakespeare’s world, what money was used, family relationships and even what insults people hurled at each other.

This dictionary is a mine of information and I wish it had been available when my eldest child was doing his GCSE’s. However, with two children coming up to secondary school age, I know that this will be an invaluable reference source for them. Simple to use, with much to explore, this is ideal to help make Shakespeare more accessible. It is not just for children, but for all students who wish to have a well presented dictionary of Shakespearian terms, with a useful pronunciation guide for theatre productions. An excellent, and nicely presented, book.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title tells you pretty much what you need to know. The authors have created a dictionary of oft-used words in Shakespeare's plays that might have different meanings nowadays. There are explanations of usage, history and stage directions. Useful for those studying the Bard or theatre in general.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to convince myself that I am a fan of Shakespeare. I've read Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Othello, Hamlet, and The Tempest. I've seen plays, seen movies, have kid-friendly Shakespeare books, and even have a DVD Catholic Course on Shakespeare. In reality, I don't understand as much of The Bard as I would like to. When I do read his works, some of the phrases confuse me and unless there are footnotes explaining what confuses me, I am stumped! Luckily, Oxford University Press knows there's people like me an has produced an Illustrated Shakespeare Dictionary.

The book is divided out like a normal dictionary with alphabetical sections. There are then 4000+ entries of different Shakespearean words, their meanings, and a quote and reference on what play the particular entry can be found in. There are also numerous notes sprinkled throughout the pages, which talk about history, society, and insight on how Shakespeare used the language. The bulk of the illustrations are in the middle of the book and are broken out by topics like armour, weapons, clothing, animals, colours, etc.

What I found most helpful is that common words, you already associate with one definition have a warning, so that you don't just assume you know a word and skip over it. For example, scorch has nothing to do with burning something, but instead slicing it. The only drawback to this book is that it is not comprehensive, but instead covers Shakespeare's twelve most popular books. If I'm being realistic though, that is just not possible, because it would be too massive. Overall, this is a useful book for high school students, college students, teachers, and fans of Shakespeare, who wish they knew more.

This book was provided to me for free by Oxford University Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most beautiful colorful edition of a Shakespeare dictionary that I ever read. Yes, I read it front to back. The cover is gorgeous. It has a red rose and a sword on the front cover. There are drops of blood on both the front and back cover. The book contains headword, part of speech, pronunciation guide, definition, warning note, usage note, theater note, citation, related words, cross reference, abbreviations and variations, and illustrations.

If anyone can find a better Shakespeare dictionary, can you please send me a message and tell me? Thank you ahead of time.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just skimmed this useful reference work. It is, as advertised, an illustrated dictionary but also reveals some of Elizabethan culture.

A useful addition to the Shakespeare library to assist in understanding the several plays covered.

[Vaishnavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must for the Board's fans..

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good dictionary for younger readers especially. I can see my kids liking this.

[Carmel Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is brilliant- literally every word you may struggle with in a Shakespeare play or sonnet is clearly explained.

[Stephanie Rathgeber]

tal, D., Crystal, B., & Bellamy, K. (2015). Oxford illustrated Shakespeare dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Citation by Stephanie Rathgeber

Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: 019

Content/Scope: A illustrated alphabetical dictionary of all the words and meanings students of Shakespeare need to know.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: A reputable publisher with Oxford. Positive refrence on Booklist.

Arrangement/Presentation: Every word has an example sentence selected from the twelve most studied plays including Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Henry V. Usage notes and theatre notes provide additional background to Shakespearean times and the performance of his plays. Further support is provided by language panels on select topics like the humours, swearing, and stage directions, and full-colour illustrated thematic spreads on special feature topics from clothes and armour to music and recreation. The dictionary is easy to use with its clear signposting, accessible design, and expertly levelled contemporary look and feel.

Relation to Similar Works: Oxford is a well known dictionary publisher.

Timeliness/Permanence: The meanings of Shakespeares text will not change over time.

Accessibility/Diversity: Shakespeare is an often misunderstood right of passage in high school. This book will be a great resource for students who struggle with understanding the wording within a Shakespeare text. It will be accessable to all students.

Cost: $21.95

[Annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dictionary is so fantastic I can't stop raving about it! Clear, concise information (but all the information you could need), all with references and examples from the main Shakespeare plays. The colours and illustrations are beautiful, and there are extra pages at the back, about music etc from the time, all stunning.
The book is a great size too, very usable and not at all bulky.
Very highly recommended to all Shakespeare fans/readers. Perfect to regularly refer to.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeously illustrated book from David Crystal, so its scholarly pedigree is perfect. This is a good addition to a young Shakespeare lover's bookshelf and also for teachers and really ... anyone in 'the seven ages of man.'

[Joy Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great reference book for anyone wanting to better understand Shakespeare's words. It's not just a dictionary as it gives context and has beautiful illustrations.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great dictionary. Words are explained in context which will help you to undrestand Shakepseare better, especially if English isn't your native language.

[RUSA CODES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of the 2016 Outstanding Reference Sources Award.

For a complete list of winners, please visit http://www.ala.org/rusa/awards/outsta....