Shakespeare and London: A Dictionary

A Dictionary of Shakespeare and London is a topographical reference book that explores the influence of London on Shakespeare's works, including its language, locations, and characters. It provides a concise and fascinating insight into the city's impact on Shakespeare's imagination and offers a guide to early modern London and its contemporary meanings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shakespeare and London: A Dictionary is a comprehensive guide to all the locations, allusions, and colloquial terms mentioned in Shakespeare's complete works. For years, critics have debated whether Shakespeare was disconnected from the city he lived in, but the city's topography and life are evident in all his work. This dictionary provides a concise and fascinating insight into how London influenced Shakespeare's imagination and offers readers a comprehensive guide to early modern London, its contemporary meanings, and how Shakespeare employed these throughout his canon.

London's topography and life are deeply intertwined with Shakespeare's works. The city's streets, buildings, and people served as inspiration for many of his plays, characters, and scenes. Shakespeare's use of language reflects the city's diverse culture and history, with references to various places, traditions, and languages.

The dictionary provides a detailed exploration of the city's influence on Shakespeare's imagination. It includes entries for all the locations mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, as well as allusions and colloquial terms that are specific to London. Each entry provides a brief description of the location, its historical significance, and how it was portrayed in Shakespeare's works.

In addition to providing a historical and literary perspective, the dictionary also offers a guide to contemporary London. It discusses the city's development over the centuries, its cultural landmarks, and its modern-day significance. Readers will learn about the places that still evoke Shakespeare's imagination, such as the Globe

In conclusion, Shakespeare and London: A Dictionary is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Shakespeare's works, London's history, or the literary connections between the two. It provides a comprehensive and fascinating insight into the city's impact on Shakespeare's imagination and offers readers a comprehensive guide to early modern London, its contemporary meanings, and how Shakespeare employs these throughout the canon. Whether you are a student, scholar, or simply a lover of literature, this dictionary is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare and his city.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350006829