Books

London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. and P. Knapton.., 1755. Full Description: JOHNSON, Samuel. A Dictionary of the English Language: In which the words are deduced from their originals, and illustrated in their different significations by examples from the best writers. To which are prefixed, a history of the language, and an English grammar. London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. and P. Knapton..., 1755. First edition of “the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography” (Printing and the Mind of Man). Two large folio volumes, tall paper copies, (16 1/4 x 10 1/8 inches; 412 x 258 mm.). Unpaginated. Text in double columns. Title-pages printed in red and black. Decorative woodcut tail-pieces. Full contemporary speckled calf, rebacked to style. Spines with original two red and green calf spine labels, lettered in gilt. Spines ruled in gilt in compartments, six raised bands. Board edges tooled in gilt. Boards a bit rubbed and scuffed, with a bit…

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.