A new dictionary of the English language: containing, not only the explanation of words, with their orthography, etymology, and idiomatic use in writing; but likewise, their orthoepia or pronunciation in speech, according to the present practice of polished speakers in the metropolis… to which is prefixed a Rhetorical Grammar…

Kenrick, William

Published by printed for John and Francis Rivington, William Johnston, Thomas Longman and Thomas Cadell, London, 1773

About this Item

First and only edition, 4to, pp. [8], viii, 57, [1], [724]; contemporary full russia; gilt stamped " W W Peniarthuchaf 1774" on the upper cover, gilt-decorated spine in 6 compartments, red morocco label in 1; spine ends chipped, joints cracked. Later armorial bookplate of Robert Chambre Vaughan, old ownership signature inked out on title page. A "hack writer" who possessed a "strong love of notoriety, [and] a jealous and perverse temper," Kenrick (?1725-1779) "was often drunk and violent. He became the enemy of every decent and successful person, and so notorious as a libeler that few condescended to answer him. His vanity lead him to fancy himself equal to any task without serious study. In his later years Kenrick seldom wrote without a bottle of brandy at his elbow. Though a superlative scoundrel, he was clever, and especially proud of the rapidity of his writing; even his more serious works seldom occupied him for more than two days" (see DNB for a lively account of this literary curmudgeon). Among those most frequently attacked and offended were Johnson and Boswell, Garrick, Goldsmith, Fielding, and, predictably, other famous men, who, by association would give Kendrick a name. For all his attacks on Johnson (Kenrick was violently critical of Johnson's edition of Shakespeare and his dictionary) he seems to have made good use of Johnson's lexicographic skills. A spot check of entries shows Kenrick's lexicon to be a word-for-word transcription from that of Johnson. Alston V, 283; Kennedy 6276. Seller Inventory # 64490

Bibliographic Details

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

Publisher: printed for John and Francis Rivington, William Johnston, Thomas Longman and Thomas Cadell, London

Publication Date: 1773

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition