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 in double column; contemporary full calf, gilt-paneled spine in 6 compartments, gilt volume numbers in 1; extremities rubbed, spine extremities chipped; good and sound. Early ownership signature on title page in pencil of "William Johnson." "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 of human wishes, the preface to the octavo edition is a marketing ploy, an attempt to assure those who had been…

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.