Loues labors lost: an original spelling edition, intended to aid the study of language

Abstract

This edition of Loues Labors Lost has been created with a specific audience in mind. It is intended to be used by university students at Victoria University of Wellington, as part of a course on the literary history of the English language, to explore Shakespeare's language and his exploration of language through the play. As it is an original spelling edition, side glosses have been provided extensively to assist students with unusual words, forms, and spellings. Where further explanation has been required additional notes have been provided at the foot of the page. As far as I know, this is the first original spelling edition of the play with side glosses. The edition is based on the 1598 quarto and makes reference to later versions to make intelligent emendations. The introduction focuses primarily on the issues of language associated with the play and Shakespeare's use of language in general. Some consideration is also given to related issues, such as sources for the content and historical context.