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Peter Harrington
100 Fulham RoadLondonSW3 6RSUnited Kingdom
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USD$18,932

Description

First edition of this most famous of English dictionaries. This work has at various times been called "the most important British cultural monument of the eighteenth century" (Hitchings); "the only dictionary [of the English language] compiled by a writer of the first rank" (Robert Burchfield); "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (PMM); and the first genuinely descriptive dictionary in any language. "Johnson's writings had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics" (Webster). Two volumes, folio (400 x 251 mm). Contemporary boards fully re-covered to style in sprinkled calf, spines with raised bands, gilt in compartments, red and green labels, board-edges with decorative roll in gilt. Title pages in red and black. Bookplates of William J. Young, Professor of Music (fl. 1851). Vol. I title a little short at head and with inkspot at foot, lower outer corner of following leaf torn away not affecting text, with the occasional spot or mark, a very good copy.

About A Dictionary of the English Language

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.