The Columbia Dictionary of Shakespeare Quotations : Book Review

"The Columbia Dictionary of Shakespeare Quotations" by William Shakespeare is a valuable and comprehensive collection of quotes from the iconic playwright's works. This book is a must-have for lovers of Shakespeare's plays, scholars, and anyone interested in delving into the beauty and depth of his language. It contains over 3,000 quotations, organized alphabetically, making it easy to find specific lines or explore various themes.

One of the strongest aspects of this dictionary is its organization. The quotes are conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, allowing readers to quickly locate desired lines or explore particular themes. Additionally, each quotation is accompanied by relevant contextual information, including details about the character, play, and act. This added context enhances the reading experience, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the world of Shakespeare's plays and gain a deeper understanding of his language and themes.

Another notable feature of this book is its rich content. It covers a wide range of topics and emotions, capturing the essence of love, tragedy, comedy, and even politics. This diversity showcases the breadth and depth of Shakespeare's works, making this dictionary an invaluable resource for students, actors, and anyone interested in exploring the versatility of his writing.

Furthermore, this dictionary goes beyond the well-known quotations and includes lesser-known lines and phrases. This element of surprise and discovery allows readers to uncover new facets of Shakespeare's plays, highlighting the countless layers and intricacies present in his work. It serves as a reminder of his enduring relevance as a playwright and the timeless nature of his language.

Finally, this dictionary is more than just a compilation of quotes; it also includes a thorough introduction. This introduction provides a brief overview of Shakespeare's life and work, offering essential background information and setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his plays. This feature makes the dictionary accessible to those new to Shakespeare and enables a deeper appreciation of his genius.

What are readers saying?

The Columbia Dictionary of Shakespeare Quotations by William Shakespeare has received a wide range of reviews, with readers expressing their thoughts on its content and usefulness. Overall, the book has been well-received due to its comprehensive collection of quotations from Shakespeare's plays, making it a valuable reference tool.

Many readers have praised the book for its thoroughness and accuracy in compiling Shakespeare's most famous quotes. They appreciate the extensive range of quotations from all of Shakespeare's plays, making it a valuable resource for students, academics, and theater enthusiasts. The book's organization and indexing have also been commended, as they make it easy to find specific quotes or explore different themes.

Reviewers have also appreciated the diversity of quotations included in the book. It not only features well-known quotes but also more obscure ones, providing readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's works. This has been particularly beneficial for those studying Shakespeare or seeking quotes for their own writing.

The explanatory notes provided alongside the quotations have been highly regarded. These notes offer additional context and insight into the meaning and significance of the quotes, helping readers grasp their importance within the plays. This feature has been seen as an invaluable addition for readers who want to delve deeper into Shakespeare's works.

However, some readers have criticized the book for not presenting new material or offering unique insights into Shakespeare's works. They feel that the collection of quotations relies too heavily on well-known lines, without providing much fresh perspective. These readers were hoping for a more innovative or interpretive approach to the quotations.

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