This reference work investigates the etymology, historical context, and dramatic significance of the vast array of names appearing within William Shakespeare's canon. The authors, Daniel A. Frankforter and J. Madison Davis, utilize a scholarly framework to catalog characters, historical figures, and mythological references found across the plays and sonnets. By providing detailed entries for each name, the text serves as a comprehensive guide for students and researchers seeking to understand the cultural and linguistic layers embedded in the Bard's writing.

Scholars and educators frequently cite this dictionary as a reliable resource for clarifying the often obscure nomenclature found in Elizabethan drama. The text is recognized for its accessibility, making it a foundational tool for both undergraduate students and dedicated Shakespearean researchers.