The Making of Johnson's Dictionary 1746-1773.

REDDICK, Allen.:

ISBN 10: 0521361605 / ISBN 13: 9780521361606

Published by Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990

About this Item

1st edition. "Reddick details the conception, composition, and writing of the Dictionary between the years 1746 and 1755, as well as the great revision of 1771-73. In the process, Reddick argues that the Dictionary does not reflect Johnson's final thoughts on a fixed language, but rather constitutes a text in flux, changed repeatedly throughout his lifetime, a reflection of Johnson's own troubled conviction that lexicography is a doomed and impossible, paradoxical endeavor." Pp.xiv/249, 6 black & white plates. Dark green cloth, dustwrapper has a removable clear protective wrap. VG/VG. Seller Inventory # 46913

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Making of Johnson's Dictionary 1746-1773.

Publisher: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Publication Date: 1990

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

As the first great English dictionary, and the only dictionary created by a great writer, Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language is recognised as a landmark in English language and letters. The heroic effort of the work's creation over nine years has long been enshrined in English literary mythology. However, details pertaining to Johnson's long years of work on his Dictionary are very scarce. With the recent discovery and deciphering of manuscript materials, including hundreds of unpublished revisions, Reddick describes the conception, composition, writing and subsequent revision of the Dictionary. Reddick argues that the Dictionary does not reflect Johnson's final thoughts on a fixed language, but rather constitutes a text in flux, changed repeatedly throughout Johnson's lifetime. He also contributes more generally to the biographical information about Johnson during these 'middle' years, and analyses the political and theological aspects of the work, attempting to determine how we 'read' Johnson's Dictionary.

Book Description:

This second edition of an acclaimed study incorporates new commentary and scholarship, and situates The Making of Johnson's Dictionary in current critical and scholarly debate. It describes the conception, composition, writing, and subsequent revision of the first great English dictionary.