Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk by Jane Sutcliffe.

In honor of the Bard’s birthday (April 23, 1564), what a lovely introduction to the writing prowess of Mr. William Shakespeare for elementary and middle grade, even high school or college age, students. In fact, I enjoyed it as an adult who has already been steeped in Shakespearean lore, so I guess it’s for anyone who likes Shakespeare or wants to learn to enjoy Shakespeare or who enjoys word origins and word play or well, just about anyone. Even if you just look at it for the illustrations, by illustrator John Shelley, you’ll find it fascinating and appealing.

Shakespeare is known for his inventive use of words. This website, Shakespeare Online, says:

“The English language owes a great debt to Shakespeare. He invented over 1700 of our common words by changing nouns into verbs, changing verbs into adjectives, connecting words never before used together, adding prefixes and suffixes, and devising words wholly original.”

Author Jane Sutcliffe uses many of the words and phrases that Shakespeare invented in her text about Shakespeare, and then in text boxes on the right hand opposing pages she explains how and where Shakespeare himself used his new and improved words in his plays. A few examples of words Shakespeare invented or popularized: outbreak, amazement, excitement, fashionable, hurry, well-behaved, cold-blooded, and many more. Then, there are also entire phrases and sayings that came from the pen of Mr. Shakespeare: for goodness’ sake, too much of a good thing, with bated breath, and dead as a doornail, to name a few.

Will’s Words is just an introduction to the many, many words that Shakespeare minted, but it’s a beautiful and informative introduction. For more information on the subject of Will’s words, you can check out the following websites:

Shakespeare Online: Shakespeare’s Coined Words in Depth
Did William Shakespeare Really Invent All Those Words? National Public Radio.