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JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784). 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. 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 of Dr Johnson’s greatest literary achievement and ‘the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography’ (PMM). Johnson and his successive amanuenses took just over eight years to list the 40,000 words found in the Dictionary. He illustrated his definitions with over 114,000 quotations garnered from the classics of English literature, even rewriting some to fit his purposes. This first edition of the complete Dictionary was published on 15 April, 1755, in a print run of 2000 copies. Chapman and Hazen p.137; Fleeman I, p.410; PMM 201; Rothschild 1237.
2 volumes, folio (413 x 252mm). Titles printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces (some scattered spots, a few faint marginal stains, repaired tear to 27D2). Contemporary calf (rubbed, rebacked and recornered with brown morocco). Provenance: George Wingrove Cooke (British lawyer and historian, 1814-1865; bookplate) – Rev. A.L. Cohen (label, dated 1937, recording gift to:) – Bookplate of Rugby School Library.
First edition of Dr Johnson’s greatest literary achievement and ‘the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography’ (PMM). Johnson and his successive amanuenses took just over eight years to list the 40,000 words found in the Dictionary. He illustrated his definitions with over 114,000 quotations garnered from the classics of English literature, even rewriting some to fit his purposes. This first edition of the complete Dictionary was published on 15 April, 1755, in a print run of 2000 copies. Chapman and Hazen p.137; Fleeman I, p.410; PMM 201; Rothschild 1237.
2 volumes, folio (413 x 252mm). Titles printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces (some scattered spots, a few faint marginal stains, repaired tear to 27D2). Contemporary calf (rubbed, rebacked and recornered with brown morocco). Provenance: George Wingrove Cooke (British lawyer and historian, 1814-1865; bookplate) – Rev. A.L. Cohen (label, dated 1937, recording gift to:) – Bookplate of Rugby School Library.
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