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. To which are Prefixed a History of the Language, and an English Grammar. The Tenth Edition, Corrected and Revised.

JOHNSON, Samuel.

Published by LondonPrinted for F. and C. Rivinton et al. ., 1810

About this Item

2 vols. Large 4to. (27.5 x 21.5 cm). Contemporary full marbled calf rebacked preserving original spines with gilt rules and complementary gilt-lettered red and blue morocco labels, renewed grey endpapers. Engraved portrait frontispiece of Johnson after a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Ex libris Thomas Vincent with his engraved armorial bookplate to front pastedown of each volume. Bindings lightly rubbed, partial losses to labels, very occasional light scattered foxing, generally a very good, solid set. First published in 1755, Johnson's Dictionary has at various times been called "the most important British cultural monument of the eighteenth century" (Hitchings); "the only dictionary [of the English language] compiled by a writer of the first rank " (Robert Burchfield); "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (PMM); and the first genuinely descriptive dictionary in any language. "Johnson's writings had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics" (Webster). Seller Inventory # 59531

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Dictionary of the English Language: In ...

Publisher: LondonPrinted for F. and C. Rivinton et al. .

Publication Date: 1810

Binding: Hardcover