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.

A marvellous and scarce edition of this standard dictionary of the English language. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an English poet, essayist, biographer and literary critic. He published 'A Dictionary of the English Language' in 1755, considered the foremost dictionary of the time until the Oxford English Dictionary was published 173 years later. It took him seven years to complete the dictionary, which he compiled alone. It cites authors such as Shakespeare, Milton and Dryden in its examples.This is a beautiful work in a lovely binding, containing a history on the origin of the English language as a prefix.Contains a bookplate to the front pastedown belonging to an Arthur Gardner with his family crest. In a full diced calf binding. Externally a trifle rubbed, some fading and small loss to the leather, some rubbing to the spines, joint of vol I cracked about four inches. Ownership bookplate to the front pastedown. Hinges slightly strained but firm. Internally generally firmly bound, pages a little age toned, some spotting heavier to the first and last pages. Very Good. …