Books

Dublin: Thomas Ewing, 1775. Two volumes complete. Modern full calf by Temple Bookbinders, raised bands, spine in six panels, calf title label to second panel, contrasting calf volume label to third, blind roll to board edges. Externally near fine. Internally generally lightly browned and lightly foxed throughout, sometimes heavier, stain to bottom corner at gutter for most of 'A' in volume one, but generally clean. Small amount of loss to N4 in volume two, nicking text with loss to one word, several small nicks and tears to page edges, previous owner's name to head of titles. The Fourth edition, the first Dublin and first quarto edition of Johnson's monumental work. Fleeman 55.4D/5a. First Thus. Full Calf. Good. 4to.

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.