Review (PDF) Oxford Illustrated Shakespeare Dictionary
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.
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0192737503
ISBN-13: 978-0192737502
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 0.8 x 7 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #597,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #404 in Books > Literature & Fiction > British & Irish > Shakespeare > Literary Criticism #716 in Books > Textbooks > Reference > Dictionaries #1039 in Books > Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Dictionaries
This is billed as 'the essential guide for students and playgoers around the world" and I think that is a very fair evaluation of this work. Whilst it is generally easy to get the gist of any soliloquy, it is good to be able to refer to this book when reading - in particular - unfamiliar words or words which have somewhat changed their meaning since the time of Shakespeare. It even has an easy to use guide to help you use the dictionary to its optimum. There are also explanations and drawings showing such things as animals and birds common in Shakespeare's time, daggers and armour and the interpretations of some of the colours mentioned in the texts.The dictionary is beautifully illustrated .It has a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre (for those not lucky enough to have attended the rebuilt one) and a clear explanation of Shakespeare's company - the Chamberlain's Men - and their sponsors.There is also a great map of what Shakerpeare's Europe and the Mediterranean complete with its then names. It also educates the reader in a historical sense about the sorts of occupations, recreational activities, music and clothing worn. It is also very clear on the accepted view of the Universe (Cosmos) of the day which is so different from our own and which features in many of the plays. The Elizabethan era was a great period for English shipping. It's the time when the world was circumnavigated and English pirates were the scourge of the seas and England took on the might of the Spanish Armada. Ships were important then and the dictionary illustrates and explains the popular ships of the time.I cannot speak too highly of this dictionary. It is invaluable in helping the reader to a better understanding of Shakespeare's plays. It is lively and interesting and never dry or dull. Useful to always have to hand whether you're a student or just a lover of performances.
This is a nice dictionary---not as detailed as some of the others the Crystals have published but appealing with color, pictures, and sidebar info panels. If you're looking for an easy-to-read dictionary to help you with Shakespeare's work, take a peek at this one!
Not enough words defined. More times than not, I would read a passage, try and look up the definition, and not find one.
Great book, indispensable for any Shakespeare reader. Entertaining as well as informative.
This is a useful reference for anyone interested in studying Shakespeare. It is nicely Illustrated, complete, and an important reference for anyone wanting to truly understand Shakespeare's plays.
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