Oxford Illustrated Shakespeare Dictionary

Winner of Best Book, Publication, or Recording prize at the Falstaff Awards 2015 Shortlisted for the 2016 SLA Information Book Award 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 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. It is the perfect support for a full 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.

Review: "Sometimes you find a book and think, 'Why didn't someone do this years ago?' The answer is probably that no-one else could have approached the job or seen it through to completion so magnificently. This is much more than a valuable resource to make Shakespeare's vocabulary accessible to students; it is so crammed with delicious snippets that it is a delight to browse." * UK Literacy Association (UKLA) *
"Savvy navigation tools, skilful indexing and clever colour coded referencing." * The BookBag *
"Guaranteed to enhance enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare's work." * Parents In Touch *
"Stunningly useful book" * The Guardian *
"A modern and dynamic approach to Shakespeare's language usage" * Editing Matters *
"It is not only scholarly and comprehensive, it is hugely enjoyable" * Books for Keeps *
"A charming and deliciously meaty book, it's a must for every primary and secondary English and Drama classroom in my view, and essential for the school library too." * Susan Elkin, The School Librarian *
"It's a joyful celebration as much as an aid to teaching and learning and affectionate as it is scholarly" * Teach Secondary *