A Dictionary Of The English Language...

London: Printed by W.Strachan, For J. and P.Knapton..., 1755-56. Second Edition. "Dr. Johnson performed with his Dictionary the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography...it took Johnson less than ten years from writing his first prospectus in 1746 to publication day, 14 June, 1755...The preface ranks among Johnson’s finest writings...It is the dictionary itself which justifies Noah Webster’s statement that 'Johnson’s writings had, in philology, the effect which Newton’s discoveries had in mathematics'. Johnson introduced into English lexicography principles which had already been accepted in Europe but were quite novel in mid-eighteenth-century England. He codified the spelling of English words; he gave full and lucid definitions of their meanings (often entertainingly coloured by his High Church and Tory propensities); and he adduced extensive and apt illustrations for a wide range of authoritative writers." (PMM) Courtney & Smith p. 55. Chapman & Hazen p. 138. cfGrolier, One Hundred Books Famous in English Literature, 50. cfPrinting and the Mind of Man 201. cfRothschild 1237. 2 Volumes. large folio. unpaginated. contemporary calf, rebacked with gilt spine compartments & portions of labels mounted (binding worn but sound, covers scarred, much of gilt on spine rubbed away, lower outer corner of first few leaves bit ragged). armorial bookplate of Richard Constable. elala5508