Books

Volume I with engraved frontispiece portrait of Johnson. Contemporary calf, rebacked, covers a bit rubbed; edges of title reinforced, frontispiece offset onto title, otherwise a very good copy. Ownership inscription of Samuel Montgomery in Volume I. The first revision of Johnson's Dictionary in its second printing. Todd (1763-1845), an English clergyman, author and editor, added thousands of new words, updated a number of regional and dialectical variations which had become obsolete, and made important additions to many of Johnson's historical notes. A conscientious editor, Todd was careful not to change Johnson's delightful definitions and examples, which were drawn from contemporary works of literature. Todd edited a number of other works, including Poetical works of John Milton; The life and writings of John Milton and The works of Edmund Spencer. His numerous original published works include catalogues of English books and manuscripts, historical works and sermons.

Samuel Johnson's 'A Dictionary of the English Language' is among the most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language. First published on 15 April 1755, the dictionary offered comprehensive definitions and illustrative examples of usage.