A Concise Dictionary of Middle English from A.D. 1150 to 1580

"A Concise Dictionary of Middle English from A.D. 1150 to 1580" by A. L. (Anthony Lawson) Mayhew is a scholarly tool crafted to support the study of Middle English. It gives historical context to the language used between 1150 and 1580. As a reference, this book dives into the meanings and origins of words from this period. The introduction establishes the book’s purpose, addressing the gap in materials available for Middle English learners. The book explains how the dictionary highlights more common sources and specifically focuses on the language used by authors like Chaucer. It points out the difficulties in understanding the spelling and pronunciation of Middle English and introduces a detailed glossary that organizes words with definitions and historical backgrounds.