Books

London, Printed for W. Strahan et al., 1773. . Fourth edition; 2 vols; folio (42.5 x 27 cm); newspaper article tipped-in to front pastedown of vol. I, occasional light spotting; contemporary calf, rebacked preserving original red morocco lettering-pieces, corners repaired, covers a little scuffed, otherwise very good. The last lifetime edition of Johnson's Dictionary, and the only edition substantively revised by him. 'He codified the spelling of English words; he gave full and lucid definitions of their meanings... and he adduced extensive and apt illustrations from a wide range of authoritative writers' (PMM). An excellent example in contemporary sprinkled calf of this enduring classic, a mainstay of any serious collection. With over 40,000 definitions and more than 100,000 quotations compiled by the most prolific writer of the eighteenth century, and arguably one of the most distinguished men of letters in English history. A 'Dictionary', Johnson (1709-1786) informs us, is a…

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.