A Dictionary of the English Language: in which the Words are Deduced from their Origin 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

Samuel Johnson

Published by G. and J. Offor, W. Allason, R. Akerman et. al., London, 1824

About this Item

A monumental two-volume edition of Samuel Johnson's standard dictionary of the English language. A later edition of Samuel Johnson's seminal work, his influential dictionary of the English language.Complete in two large quarto volumes.Rebound in crushed morocco, with the original diced calf boards laid down. Renewed endpapers. Bound with the half title to Volume I. Volume II title neatly laid on tissue, with faded reference ink stamps to both title versos.Engraved portrait frontispiece to Volume I.Encouraged by his dissatisfaction with the dictionaries of the period, English writer Samuel Johnson took seven years to complete this work (first published in 1755) doing so single-handedly, with only cleric assistance to copy the illustrative quotations that he had marked in books. It cites authors such as Shakespeare, Milton and Dryden in its examples.Prefixed with a history on the origin of the English language. Rebound, in crushed morocco, with the original diced calf boards laid down. Gilt to the spines. Externally, generally smart, with rubbing to the extremities. Scuffs and marks to the original boards. Hinges are starting, but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with occasional scattered spots, heaviest to the first and last few pages. Very Good.

Seller Inventory # 1007Y14

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Dictionary of the English Language: in which the Words are Deduced from their Origin 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
• Publisher: G. and J. Offor, W. Allason, R. Akerman et. al., London
• Publication Date: 1824
• Binding: Leather
• Illustrator: None
• Condition: Very Good
• Book Type: book