John Florio
Queen Anna's New World of Words; or, Dictionarie of the Italian and English Tongues
"Queen Anna's New World of Words; or, Dictionarie of the Italian and English" by John Florio is a bilingual dictionary written in the early 17th century. This work serves as a comprehensive reference for those learning Italian and English, merging linguistic elements from both languages. It is particularly notable for including various nuances in pronunciation and usage, essential for mastering the Italian tongue. The opening of this dictionary features a transcriber’s note that explains the distinct forms of the letters E and O used to denote different sounds in Italian. Following that, Florio elaborates on his dedication to Queen Anne, highlighting the effort and time that have gone into compiling this extensive linguistic resource over more than a decade. The introduction sets the stage for what promises to be a valuable tool for learners, as it details the structure of the dictionary, which aims to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the Italian language through meticulous definitions and examples.