A New Dictionary of the English Language: containing, not only the explanation of words, with their orthography, etymology, and idiomatical use in writing. To which is prefixed a rhetorical grammar.

KENRICK, William.

Published by Printed for John and Francis Rivington, William Johnson, Thomas Longman, and Thomas Cadell. 1773, 1773

About this Item

[8],viii, 57, [1], [724]pp. 4to. Occasional spotting, sl. worming to inner margin of first few gatherings not affecting text. Handsomely rebound in quarter half speckled calf, marbled boards, vellum tips, raised bands, red morocco label. Contemporary signature of Cha. Moore on titlepage. Alston V 283; ESTC T114319. The sole edition. William Kenrick, 1725?-1779, is described in the ODNB as a 'superlative scoundrel'. A versatile hack writer, he appears to have fallen out with and libelled almost every person who crossed his path. 'He had a strong love of notoriety, a jealous and perverse temper, and was often drunk and violent. He became the enemy of every decent and successful person, and so notorious as a libeller that few condescended to answer him'. Following attacks on Jonn Hill, Robert Dodsley, and Oliver Goldsmith, Kenrick turned his attention to Samuel Johnson who he attacked without restraint. Although never published, he had threatened to publish a parody of Johnson's Dictionary entitled A Ramble Through the Idler's Dictionary: in which are picked up several thousand etymological, orthographical, and lexicographical blunders.

Seller Inventory # 83131

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A New Dictionary of the English Language: containing, not only the explanation of words, with their orthography, etymology, and idiomatical use in writing. To which is prefixed a rhetorical grammar.
• Publisher: Printed for John and Francis Rivington, William Johnson, Thomas Longman, and Thomas Cadell. 1773
• Publication Date: 1773
• Binding: Hardcover