A Dictionary of the First or Oldest Words in the English Language

This volume gathers every word that appears in the printed English literature of the thirteenth century, arranging them alphabetically under their modern forms while preserving the original spellings. Compiled as the cornerstone of the Philological Society’s ambitious dictionary project, it offers scholars a reliable standard for comparing the earliest English texts, from the semi‑Saxon period of 1250‑1300 onward. The editor’s meticulous cross‑referencing means that even obscure variants such as “ympne” for “hymn” or “ydle” for “isle” can be traced easily through both the main entries and a dedicated glossary. The result is a comprehensive inventory that bridges the gap between medieval manuscripts and modern linguistic study.

Beyond the sheer list of words, the work supplies concise etymological notes, pointing to the nearest cognates and shedding light on how the language evolved. Contributions from leading philologists of the era enrich the text with scholarly insight, making it both a practical reference and a fascinating glimpse into the birth of English vocabulary. Listeners interested in the roots of everyday speech, medieval poetry, or the history of language will find this guide an engaging companion to any exploration of early English literature.