Books

London: W. Strahan for A. Millar, T. Longman, J. Dodsley, et al., 1765. Very Good. London: W. Strahan for A. Millar, T. Longman, J. Dodsley, et al, 1765. Third Edition. Two Volumes. Folios (16.75" x 10.5"). Modern binding in black leather with blindstamped bordering, gilt embellishments and red and green title backgrounds on spines. Ownership signature of a James Hay at top of each title page; loose bookplate with Hay family -- likely salvaged from earlier binding -- laid in at front of first volume, along with a letter from an Emily Hay to a Mr. Carlisle presenting the volumes to him for his father's library. Both volumes collated and complete. Bindings are sturdy and clean. Paper repair along edges of each title page with no loss of text. Small chip at top corner of page starting with "Conclusive;" pencil notation after Johnson's mis-definition of Pastern reading "J's ignorance," referring to Johnson's own reply of "Ignorance, madam, pure ignorance" when questioned about…

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.