Lexiphanes, a dialogue imitated from Lucian, and suited to the present times. Being an attempt to restore the English tongue to its ancient purity, and to correct, as well as expose the affected style, hard words, and absurd phraseology of our English Lexiphanes, The Rambler

Campbell, Archibald

Published by printed for J. Knox, London, 1767

About this Item

First edition,12mo, pp. xxxix, [1], 180; later full polished tan calf by Ramage, red and black morocco labels on gilt-decorated spine, yellow edges; upper joint cracked, extremities rubbed; a good copy, or better. A popular attack on the diction of Samuel Johnson which went through several editions. Campbell was a classical scholar turned ship's purser who found himself at sea with no English book to read save Johnson's The Rambler. Said Boswell in his Life of Johnson: "This year was published a ridicule of his style, under the title of Lexiphanes . Its author was one Campbell, a Scotch purser in the navy. The ridicule consisted of applying Johnson's 'words of large meaning' to insignificant matters, as if one should put the armor of Goliath upon a dwarf. The contrast might be laughable; but the dignity of the armor must remain the same in all considerate minds. This malicious drollery, therefore, it may easily be supposed, could do no harm to its illustrious object." Courtney, p. 27; Tinker 1395. Seller Inventory # 34023

Bibliographic Details

Title: Lexiphanes, a dialogue imitated from Lucian,...

Publisher: printed for J. Knox, London

Publication Date: 1767

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition