Substantially revised and enlarged, this new edition of the Dictionary of Pseudonyms includes more than 2,000 new entries, bringing the volume's total to approximately 13,000 assumed names, nicknames, stage names, and aliases. The introduction has been entirely rewritten, and many previous entries feature new accompanying details or quoted material. This volume also features a significantly greater number of cross-references than was included in previous editions. Arranged by pseudonym, the entries give the true name, vital dates, country of origin or settlement, and profession. Many entries also include the story behind the person's name change.

Alphabetically arranged entries present the stories behind over 700 everyday trade names, such as aspirin, Grape Nuts, Lego, and Wimpy, with information on how trade names are devised and a look at the linguistic and legal pitfalls of choosing a name.