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. 2 volumes. First Edition. Title pages printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces. Royal folio (410 x 260 mm.), expertly bound to style in full polished speckled calf, spines with raised bands creating seven compartments, ruled in gilt on either side of each band, the bands with fine gilt toolwork, two compartments with contrasting red and green morocco lettering pieces gilt, five compartments with full gilt panel decorations incorporating elaborate borders and central tooling, the covers with double gilt fillet rules at the borders, all edges dyed as original and without further trimming. Collation: Vol. I [A]2, B-K2, a-c2, d1,2B-2K, 2L-13A2, one leaf signed 13B-14Z; Vol. II [-]1, 15A-16Z2, one leaf signed 17A-17Z, 18A-22E2, one leaf signed 22F-22Z, 23A-27D2, one leaf signed 27E-28Z, 29A-31C2 . A very handsome copy beautifully preserved.…

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.