A dictionary of the English language, answering at once the purposes of rhyming, spelling, and pronouncing. On a plan not hitherto attempted

Walker, John

Published by printed for T. Becket, London, 1775

About this Item

First edition of Walker's first dictionary, 8vo, pp. xxiii, [1], unpaginated lexicon in an unjustified single column, [50]; dedicated to David Garrick, for "early opportunities of observing [his] pronunciation on stage"; contemporary calf-backed marbled boards (some loss to paper) crudely rebacked retaining original red gilt-lettered spine label; hinges reinforced; very good and sound. An actor (under the management of Garrick) and a lecturing elocutionist, Walker issued in 1774 A General Idea of a Pronouncing Dictionary. This great dictionary was not published until 1791, but its roots are clearly traceable to this rhyming dictionary -- "an attempt to facilitate the orthography and pronunciation of the English language." Subsequently published as A rhyming dictionary. Alston VI, 570; ESTC T145301; Vancil, p. 248. Seller Inventory # 44426

Bibliographic Details

Title: A dictionary of the English language, ...

Publisher: printed for T. Becket, London

Publication Date: 1775

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition