Lingua Britannica reformata: or, a new universal English dictionary, under the following titles, viz. I. Universal . II. Etymological . III. Orthographical . IV. Orthoepical . V. Diacritical . VI. Philological . VII. Mathematical . VIII. Philosophical . The second edition, greatly improved and augmented

Martin, Benjamin

Published by printed for C. Hitch and L. Hawes [et al.], London, 1754

About this Item

Second and last edition, "greatly improved and augmented," but without the Physico-Grammatical Essay which appeared in the first edition of 1749; 8vo, pp. xiii, [1] & unpaginated lexicon in double column; 6 engraved plates at the back; contemporary calf recently rebacked, endpapers renewed; red gilt cloth spine label; title page fore-edge has been trimmed quite close with small loss affecting 3 words without loss of meaning; late 19th or early 20th-century manuscript gift inscription label, "From Mary Evans to her nephew, Arthur Waters," mounted on front pastedown; contemporary ownership label signed and dated "Thomas Green Longleaf, 27th January, 1764" mounted to front flyleaf; a very good, sound copy of a work that "marks a change in the concept of a dictionary, and of the lexicographer's function." Influenced by Johnson's Plan of a Dictionary (published 1747) Martin designed his own dictionary, on Johnson's model, treating "all the words in use, including many new terms of a scientific and philosophical nature, from an etymological, orthographical, orthoepical, and diacritical standpoint, word in and word out. Add to this schematic ordering Martin's eccentric character and eclectic undertakings (see DNB for an accounting) and the resulting work, though transitional, is an intelligent, progressive work" (Starnes & Noyes, pp. 146ff.). Alston V, 164; Vancil, p. 160.

Seller Inventory # 64348

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lingua Britannica reformata: or, a new universal English dictionary, under the following titles, viz. I. Universal . II. Etymological . III. Orthographical . IV. Orthoepical . V. Diacritical . VI. Philological . VII. Mathematical . VIII. Philosophical . The second edition, greatly improved and augmented
• Publisher: printed for C. Hitch and L. Hawes [et al.], London
• Publication Date: 1754
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