Customer Reviews

Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary (Volume II, N-Z)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I assign a higher rating to Schmidt's lexicon than to C.T. Onions's *Shakespeare Glossary* (which I have also reviewed) for the reason that, although both compendiums by now do show their age, Schmidt's two volumes (one of course needs N-Z with this one) are all in all in many ways more comprehensive and informative than Onions's single-volume work (even after its updating by Eagleson).

Readers of Shakespeare should NOT assume that if they use an unannotated edition (e.g. the Oxford Complete Works) they will understand everything they read if only they consult Schmidt or Onions or both. For one thing, many words in Shakespeare look intelligible from a modern viewpoint, but in fact had a different meaning in Shakespeare's day: an uninitiated reader will miss many such instances if s/he does not use good annotated editions by expert scholars, who provide glosses for well-considered and essential reasons. And I do not even dwell on the need to be aware of bawdy puns (see my review of Onions), or of other specific usages (e.g. legal terms), on which a good deal of new work has been done in recent years. Therefore, purchase of valuable volumes like these should be seen as SUPPLEMENTARY to the use of good, carefully annotated editions. - Joost Daalder, Professor of English, Flinders University, South Australia

This is, simply, the essential, definitive guide to the Bards language. Almost every word in every Shakespearean play is here, and instead of having to guess what the meaning is in relation to the play, each word is listed by play and meaning in each heading. It can even be used for other lexiconic purposes is you're having trouble trying to figure out what Shaw means in one of his passages from "Saint Joan", or Ibsen in "when We Dead Awaken". Unless they suddenly discover a new play by shakespeare, this reference will never go out of date.

And hey, it's not called the "Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary (Vol. 1 A-M)" for nothing, people. You're going to have to get the other one, but there's no real problem, because this is simply just the greatest lexicon ever for Shakespeare. Your search ends here if you ever need to understand the Bard words.

This is, simply, the essential, definitive guide to the Bards language. Almost every word in every Shakespearean play is here, and instead of having to guess what the meaning is in relation to the play, each word is listed by play and meaning in each heading. It can even be used for other lexiconic purposes is you're having trouble trying to figure out what Shaw means in one of his passages from "Saint Joan", or Ibsen in "when We Dead Awaken". Unless they suddenly discover a new play by shakespeare, this reference will never go out of date.

And hey, it's not called the "Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary (Vol. 2 N-Z)" for nothing, people. You're going to have to get the other one, but there's no real problem, because this is simply just the greatest lexicon ever for Shakespeare. Your search ends here if you ever need to understand the Bard words.

Do not order this book. There is a defect in the run of this edition. I ordered, discovered the defect, returned for a replacement, and the replacement had the same defect. It skips at least half of the "b's", jumping about 60 pages, then continues for about 30-40 pages, and repeats the same 30-40 pages again before continuing with the rest of the book.

If you are in any way associated with the works of Shakespeare - on stage, in the classroom, for fun, whatever - you have to have these two books. Let's face it, there are just some terms that defy all logic and explanation. The lexicons will solve it.

The layout is a bit grueling, but worth the payoff, especially for those in theatre without the benefit of extensive Shakespeare training.

If you're reading or performing Shakespeare, this reference is absolutely invaluable. It defines for you the words you have no clue about, as well as shedding light on the words you thought you knew. The English in Shakespeare's canon is centuries if not worlds different from our own. For example, if a character refers to another character as a friend, you'd think you understand, right? Well, in this book you'll find that it can mean many many things such as 'lover,' or 'relative.' That is, of course, but one meager example. Check it out, you won't be sorry!

I live in Hong Kong and had to wait 5 weeks for shipment of my book. Imagine my surprise when I opened the box and saw "Volume I - A-M" on the front cover! I'm ordering Vol. II today! I just wish I had known that there were 2 books when I ordered - it would have saved money and time!

I thought that this would be great companion to Shakespeare plays. But, alas, it is only have of it. I obviously didn't see the A-M in the description or on the cover or I wouldn't have bought it. And to be fair, this is not actually what I was looking for to begin with. I feel quite knowledgeable about Shakespeare - I was looking for verification of certain points concerning scenes, plots, etc. This is far too much information for me. Someone who in interested in truly understanding the meaning of Shakespeare's works and the relevance of them in Shakespeare's times and through the ages will value this reference guide. Just make sure to get both volumes - half of the alphabet only gets you half as far as you need to be.

We used this book at a recent Shakespeare Theater class taken at SUU in Cedar City and it was extremely informative. Even small words are referenced and cross referenced in this lexicon. The book not only gives definitions, but references any play or poem in which a given words is found. I recommend it (and its companion) highly, even for Shakespeare "experts"!

Showing definitions of every single word used in the works fo Shakespeare, it also shows where they are used throughout the works. A glossary and concordance in one! A must-have for any student, actor, director, or anyone else needing guidance.