Customer Reviews:
 Exceedingly Useful and Relevant February 25, 2008
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
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.
A Credit to Shakespeare January 3, 2007
17 out of 19 found this review helpful
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!
Excellent comprehensive reference - perfect for students March 31, 2005
31 out of 33 found this review helpful
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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