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Shakespeare's Words: A Glossary and Language Companion (Paperback)

by David Crystal (Author), Ben Crystal (Author)

5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product details

Paperback: 676 pages
Publisher: Penguin; New Ed edition (1 April 2004)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0140291172
ISBN-13: 978-0140291179
Product Dimensions: 23 x 17.2 x 4.2 cm

Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 22,491 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Popular in these categories:

#15 in	Books > Reference > Quotations
#22 in	Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > Shakespeare, William > Criticism & Study Aids
#24 in	Books > Poetry, Drama & Criticism > History & Criticism > Drama & Dramatists > 16th to 18th Centuries

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Product Description

Review

A fresh look at the vocabulary of Shakespeare's poems and plays including a glossary of nearly 14,000 words and meanings. Ideal for aficionados and amateurs alike, either as a quick reference or as a basis for in-depth research. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Economist, 14th June 2002

'The editors ... have produced a huge work of user-friendly scholarship ... It works brilliantly' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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	83% buy the item featured on this page: Shakespeare's Words: A Glossary and Language Companion 5.0 out of 5 stars (5) �11.53
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	4% buy Shakespeare's Language 4.2 out of 5 stars (4) �6.47
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Customer Reviews

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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceedingly Useful and Relevant, 25 Feb 2008

By	Mrs. K. A. Wheatley "katywheatley" (Leicester, UK) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

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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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent comprehensive reference - perfect for students, 31 Mar 2005

By	Marianne Way "labritish" (Toulouse, France) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is like having your old English teacher at your side to comment on words you have difficulties with. - For any word in Shakespeare it gives the possible different meeanings and quotes the play(s) in which the word is used.

The book has lots of other useful features including a complete list of all characters' names, explanations of the references to classical mythology, geographical locations and 6* go to the synopses of each play with the diagrams of the characters.

It is a perfect companion for any Shakespeare lover.

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21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Credit to Shakespeare, 3 Jan 2007

By	Ms. E. L. Wright (UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An incredibly informative and user-friendly guide, not just to the language of Shakespeare, but to the English Language as a whole in the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Not only does the glossary explain specific words of difficulty it also encorporates the many different ways that Shakespeare, (and many of his contemporaries) used grammar. Crystal includes a short summary of 39 of Shakespeare's plays, and detailed diagrams show the different social networks of the characters in each.

David Crystal has excelled himself yet again, creating a reference for a wide audience; as this like many of his books is written and set out in a style which is both user-friendly and academic.

Definatly worth the money and the time to read. This is a book that you will go back to again and again!

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespearean Bible
Professor David Crystal and Ben Crystal have carved THE Shakespeare Bible! A glossary which outshines in its meticulous trimness, neatness and accuracy. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Annie Martirosyan

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
Everything you want from a Shakespeare glossary written and presented in a very easy-to-follow way.
A must to anyone who work with Shakespeare's work and for general... Read more

Published 5 months ago by : )

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