Entries provide the likely sources for a name; describe historical and mythological backgrounds; examine Shakespeare's presentation of a character or place; and suggest various interpretations of a name. Each entry contains line citations to William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, edited by Wells and Taylor, Oxford University Press, 1986.

First published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Listed is every name, proper adjective, official title, literary and musical title, and place name which appears in the text of the complete plays and poems of William Shakespeare. There is also a cross-reference of common editorial spellings which were not used in the edition which served as the standard.