Books

London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, 1755. First edition. Title pages printed in red and black. Text printed in two columns. 2 vols. Folio (407 x 248 mm.). Recent period-style binding in full speckled calf, boards ruled and decorated in blind, spines gilt with contrasting lettering pieces. Fine (some light toning at outer margins), a very attractive set. First edition. Title pages printed in red and black. Text printed in two columns. 2 vols. Folio (407 x 248 mm.). A finely bound first edition of "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (PMM). Strahan's ledger shows that a printing charge was made to the proprietors of the Dictionary at least as early as December, 1750. By the beginning of 1753, Johnson had resolved his differences with booksellers, and progress became more rapid, though he did not start the second volume until April, 1753. The…

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.

First editions can be determined by the presence of certain misprints, as Johnson's Dictionary underwent numerous small alterations as later editions were printed. The first edition is also spread over two large, heavy volumes.