General Dictionary of the English Language - First Edition (1780), East India Company copy

SHERIDAN, Thomas. A General Dictionary of the English Language. London: Printed for J. Dodsley et al., [1780]. *** First edition of this landmark work by Thomas Sheridan renowned Irish educator, actor, and father of playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan whose efforts to codify English pronunciation and usage left a lasting imprint on linguistic education across the British world. Sheridan s dictionary was among the earliest serious attempts to standardize pronunciation as a matter of national importance, blending Enlightenment ideals with practical reform. A two-volume set, complete, and in Very Good+ condition overall, with the scarce list of subscribers present. This copy is finely rebound in modern half speckled morocco over marbled paper boards, with spines richly gilt in period style bindings in excellent condition and highly attractive on the shelf. Internally, the text is clean and bright throughout, with only minor signs of age. Notably, both title pages bear the engraved bookplate of the Secretary of the East India Company, an elegant mark of historical provenance that links the volume to the institutional centers of British imperial and commercial influence at the height of the Georgian era. A substantial and well-preserved example of an important Enlightenment-era linguistic work, increasingly scarce in complete form and in collectible condition. *** Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.1 in (26.5 x 20.5 cm); weight approx. 3.2 kg. ESTC T85061. {This book ships from EU}.…