Subject
English language -- Middle English, 1100-1500 -- Glossaries, vocabularies, etc. Books
Best books
J. R. R. (John Ronald Reuel) Tolkien
A Middle English Vocabulary, Designed for use with Sisam's Fourteenth Century Verse & Prose
"A Middle English Vocabulary" by J.R.R. Tolkien is a scholarly educational work written in the early 20th century. The volume serves as a glossary designed to assist readers in understanding Middle English, particularly in conjunction with the text "Fourteenth Century Verse & Prose" by Kenneth Sisam. This vocabulary focuses on common words and phrases, providing etymological insights and usage examples to foster a better grasp of the language's structure and idiom. The opening of the vocabulary outlines its purpose and methodology, explaining that it does not strive for completeness but aims at facilitating a working knowledge of Middle English. Tolkien emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with the ordinary machinery of expression—including prepositions and idiomatic phrases—rather than merely acquiring a rare vocabulary. Furthermore, he mentions that extensive cross-references and a concise etymological framework are provided for each entry, thereby allowing beginners to approach the study of Middle English with both confidence and clarity.
Herbert Coleridge
A Dictionary of the First or Oldest Words in the English Language From the Semi-Saxon Period of A.D. 1250 to 1300
"A Dictionary of the First or Oldest Words in the English Language" by Herbert Coleridge is a scholarly dictionary written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a comprehensive inventory of every word found in the printed English literature of the 13th century, aiming to establish a historical perspective on the evolution of the English language. The book is likely to attract linguists, philologists, and those interested in the historical development of English vocabulary. The opening of the dictionary begins with a preface where Coleridge outlines the purpose and significance of the work. He emphasizes that the dictionary aims to provide a foundational resource for the Philological Society's larger project of compiling an English dictionary. In this section, he notes how the words are organized, detailing the approach taken to illustrate both older forms and modern equivalents, along with the systematic referencing of etymological roots. The introduction also acknowledges contributions from various scholars, highlighting a collaborative effort toward documenting the lexicon of early English literature and its historical context.
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Ludus Coventriæ : $b A collection of mysteries, formerly represented at Coventry on the feast of Corpus Christi
"Ludus Coventriæ: A collection of mysteries, formerly represented at Coventry" edited by James Orchard Halliwell is a collection of ancient English mystery plays written in the late 19th century. This compilation is a significant element of early English drama, preserving a series of plays centered around biblical narratives, showcasing the customs, language, and societal norms of the time. The plays were originally performed by the Grey Friars in Coventry during the Feast of Corpus Christi. The opening of "Ludus Coventriæ" begins with an introduction by Halliwell, where he contextualizes the importance of the Coventry Mysteries among other sets of mystery plays, highlighting their historical and cultural value. The prologue sets the stage for the narrative that is to follow, as the "vexillators" (or heralds) introduce the audience to the first act focusing on the Creation story in a dramatic format. As the play unfolds, it showcases key biblical events such as the Fall of Man, the story of Cain and Abel, and Noah’s Flood, featuring dialogue in a blend of English that reflects the dialect of the period, engaging with themes of sin, redemption, and divine providence.
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