Middle English word studies : a word and author index /

Containing approximately 1,000 annotated citations, this bibliography substantially augments for Middle English etymology (c.1100-1500) both Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed., 1989) and Middle English Dictionary, ed. by Hans Kurath (1952- ). The entries, usually citations to journal articles and essays published after 1950, are arranged alphabetically by author. Occasionally, books and items published before 1950 are cited. The annotations, averaging 75 to 100 words, are clearly written and helpfully elucidate the citations. An index of words refers to both headwords and phrases; the latter are indexed only under the first word in the phrase, and there are no cross-references for the other words. An index of authors lists all the authors with their associated words; since the bibliography itself is in order by author, this index is less helpful than the word index. The bibliography does not divide Middle English into further periods, such as early and late Middle English. Highly recommended for academic libraries supporting Middle English linguistics or literature. S. E. Kelsey; Louisiana State University