Books

London: Printed by W. Strahan, 1755. [Dictionary] FIRST EDITIONS. Complete in two volumes. Folio (42 x 27cm). Titles printed in black and red. Bound to style in full brown calf with red and green title labels, raised bands to spine, decorated in gilt and blind. Some expected spotting/toning from use; more-so to first and final leaves of each volume, expert paper conservation to title of vol. II, older repairs to final leaf of each volume, last gathering washed, inside paper joint cracked. Overall very good, in a functional and attractive modern leather binding (circa 1972; collated at that time and noted in pencil to flyleaf). Dr. Johnson performed with his dictionary the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography; a cornerstone of the English language. FLEEMAN, J.D., 'A Bibliography of the Works of Samuel Johnson', 55.4D/1a.

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.