Books

London: Printed by W. Strahan, 1755. [Dictionary] FIRST EDITIONS. Complete in two volumes. Folio (42 x 27cm). Titles printed in black and red. Contemporary calf boards, respined to style. Contents generally bright and clean, with the odd thumb mark or reading mark, some light toning to text leaves as expected. No inscriptions or signs of ownership. Bindings nicely aged, covers and vintage respine show a few minor nicks and rubs. Generally a very good, unsophisticacated set. 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.