A Dictionary of the English Language: in which the words are deduced from their originals, and illustrated in their different significations by examples from the best writers. To which are prefixed, A History of the Language and An English Grammar. This edition contains A Correct Standard o

FIRST EDITION WITH PRONUNCIATION - HANDSOME COPY IN A VELLUM BINDING
first edition thus, with pronunciation 2 vols. 4to. (27.6 x 22 cms.) [68 (title, subscribers, preface, etc)], [1029], [3 (blank)]; [2 (title)], [1080]pp., fine engraved portrait plate of Johnson (engraved by S. Clayton from the Joshua Reynolds painting), dictionary text printed triple column, contemporary quarter vellum, smooth spines with powder blue morocco title labels gilt, pale grey paper on sides, rear endpapers of both vols. damp spotted, last few leaves of vol. 1 with very minor old marginal water stains, upper part of the leaves in the latter half of vol. 2 with an unobtrusive light old water stain (diminishing in extent from the rear) mainly scarcely visible (only really visible in the last few gatherings, and even there not disfiguring), else a very nice fresh copy. A particularly handsome copy in an unusual binding for an Irish-printed book of this period.

Alston v.190 Not in Bradshaw or Gilbert. ESTC t118059, locating a small number only for a work of this significance and with 3 copies only (N.L.I., R.I.A., Dublin City) in Ireland. The 'Historical Account' etc. is by Arthur Murphy.
An important feature of this very uncommon edition is that it is the first to incorporate pronunciation. This was the work of Samuel Whyte, the influential Dublin schoolmaster and writer, who had himself written a fine Treatise on the English Language in 1761. Whyte's additions do not appear to have been incorporated in the 'Eighth' London edition or in subsequent London printings.There is a list of subscribers with circa 300 names which, allowing for the multiple copies ordered by the booksellers named on it, accounts for circa 600 copies. This small number sold for such a large work caused Marchbank financial "difficulties" because to break even he had to sell 800 sets, and he laments the paucity of subscribers as "the Disgrace of Literature in this Kingdom ... [and] with Johnson he can feelingly say, the better part of it was executed amidst 'Want and Distraction, in Sickness and in Sorrow'" [preliminary publisher's note].
Collation: Vol. 1: [a]2 (title & subscribers), b-g2, h1, b4, c-i2, k1, B-Z4, 2A-6P4 (last leaf a blank); Vol. 2: [a]1 (title), B-Z4, 2A-6X4, 6Y2