Shakespeare Lexicon, Vol. 2 - Paperback

Shakespeare Lexicon Volume 2: The Definitive Reference Guide (M-Z)

Alexander Schmidt's Shakespeare Lexicon Volume 2 provides comprehensive coverage of Shakespeare's vocabulary from M through Z. German schoolmaster and philologist Alexander Schmidt (1816-1887) created this exhaustive reference work that remains an essential tool for Shakespeare scholars, literature students, and theatrical professionals.

Complete Cataloging of Shakespeare's Language

This volume catalogs every word from Shakespeare's plays and poems, from "Mab: the queen of the fairies" to "Zounds: an oath contracted from God's wounds." Each entry includes precise definitions, contextual usage examples, and direct quotations with play and line references. The systematic approach enables quick location of specific passages and clarification of archaic or ambiguous terms.

Scholarly Apparatus and Supplementary Materials

Volume 2 features numerous appendices and supplements addressing Elizabethan English grammar and usage patterns. These additional resources provide linguistic context for understanding Shakespeare's syntax, word formation, and semantic variations across different plays and periods of composition.

Research Tool for Academic and Theatrical Use

The Lexicon serves multiple scholarly purposes: tracking down half-remembered quotations, decoding cryptic phrases, analyzing word frequency and usage patterns, and comparing vocabulary across Shakespeare's works. Literature students preparing papers, professors developing course materials, and theater practitioners interpreting texts all benefit from Schmidt's meticulous documentation.

Enduring Authority in Shakespeare Studies

Despite its 19th-century origins, Schmidt's Shakespeare Lexicon remains frequently consulted in contemporary scholarship. The work represents years of dedicated research, examining every play, sonnet, and poem to create a complete linguistic inventory. This Cosimo Classics paperback edition makes Schmidt's authoritative reference accessible to graduate students, English majors, and serious Shakespeare enthusiasts.

Volume 2 Specifications

This second volume completes the alphabetical coverage begun in Volume 1, ensuring comprehensive access to Shakespeare's entire vocabulary. The systematic organization allows efficient consultation whether searching for specific words, exploring thematic vocabulary clusters, or conducting comparative linguistic analysis across the canon.