Books

London: W. Strahan, For J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, 1755. First Edition. Hardcover Hardcover. Good Condition. 43cm x 26cm. 2 volumes. Full leather, rebacked retaining earlier rubbed boards and labels, refurbished corners. 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. The Paton Collection copy with the bookplates of Skene Library, Mr. Wiliam Agnew Paton (The Century Club, New York), and Stewart Paton. A sturdy and very presentable first edition of one of the landmark works of the English language. Small amount of worming to middle of top edge of front endpaper and first 3 leaves of volume 1, and to tail of upper hinge of volume 2. Professionally repaired closed tear to leaf 3A2, a couple of other minor repairs (3M2. Offsetting to preliminaries and…

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.