Books

London: J. Knapton [et al.], 1756. First octavo and first abridged edition, the title pages in this set exhibiting the variant with "by the author" (see Fleeman, p. 487, Notes); 2 volumes, unpaged; [*]2 a-c4 d3 B-3Y4 3Z2; [*] 4A2 4B-6Y4 6Z2; lexicon text in double column; slightly later full tree calf, smooth spines decorated and lettered in gilt, rebacked, old spines laid down with minor losses; all else very good and sound. Bookplate of James Mead. The book was published January 5, 1756. This copy with an early owner's shaky inscription in both volumes of "Wm. and Priscilla Crapp's / March 16th/56." "For this edition, Johnson added a new Preface and was probably responsible for most if not all of the alterations throughout ... Johnson's preface is interesting in its contrast to the Preface of the folio edition, particularly in its direct appeal to the common reader. Far from a rumination upon the transitoriness of language, the difficulties of the lexicographer, and the vanity…

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.