A general dictionary of the English language. One main object of which, is, to establish a plain and permanent standard of pronunciation. To which is prefixed a rhetorical grammar

Sheridan, Thomas

Published by printed for J. Dodsley [and 2 others], London, 1780

About this Item

First edition, 4to, 2 vols., [*]2 A-D2 a-q2 B-6F2; [*]2 B-6D2 6E4; complete with the half-titles, the list of subscribers (among whom are James Boswell and David Garrick) and the list of works published by Sheridan following the final leaf of text; extremities rubbed and worn, else a very good, sound copy in full contemporary calf, neatly rebacked and preserving the original spines and the red and green morocco labels. Contemporary armorial bookplates of Henry Heathcote on front pastedowns. Sheridan, the elocutionist, "is the first lexicographer who consistently respelled the entry words to indicate pronunciation . Though the idea of respelling was not new --Johnson and earlier lexicographers had sometimes done it-- it had been used only exceptionally and in systems that were relatively crude. Sheridan pronounced every word, even simple ones, indicated stress as well as sounds in his respellings, and gave greater attention to the hitherto neglected consonants than ever before. The latter part of the eighteenth century saw the publication of a number of dictionaries devoted principally to pronunciation. But it was not until the publication of Sheridan's A General Dictionary of the English Language that a major advance was made." (Landeau, Dictionaries, pp. 56-57). Alston V, 312; ESTC T85061; Kennedy 6286; Vancil, p. 220.

Seller Inventory # 44529

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A general dictionary of the English language. One main object of which, is, to establish a plain and permanent standard of pronunciation. To which is prefixed a rhetorical grammar
• Publisher: printed for J. Dodsley [and 2 others], London
• Publication Date: 1780
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Dictionaries
  • Language