The New Pocket Dictionary of the Dutch and English Languages. In Two Parts… Containing all Words of general Use, and authorized by the best Modern Writers. Also the Therms [sic] of Commerce, Navigation, Arts, Sciences, &c. &c

JANSON, Baldwin

Published by T. Vernor and Hood [etc.], London, 1794

About this Item

Large 12mo, bound in sixes. [14 x 13 cm]. (266) signed A-Y6, (*)1; (232) including terminal blank, signed B4, C-U6, X4. This copy bound with the English title-page and preface rather than the Dutch title-page, which would have formed quire A (1 leaf) in the second series. Bound in contemporary quarter cloth over marbled boards. A wonderfully unsophisticated copy, clean and fresh throughout. Second edition (unstated, but preceded by a slightly different printing in the previous year) of this extremely rare Dutch-English dictionary by a private language tutor resident in London. The author dedicates his work to the Duchess of York (Frederica Charlotte), who, according to Janson, "takes pleasure in reading the matchless Poetical Works of [Dutch Golden Age writer Joost van den] Vondel". Janson goes on to note that the last attempt at a Dutch-English dictionary dates to nearly a century earlier; due to a paucity of such guides, Dutch "productions of genius are nearly lost to the English nation, for want of proper books of instruction. Their language is so easily acquired by the English, that two or three lessons are sufficient for reading it properly, and a few weeks to understand it and speak it." Baldwin Janson records here that he has taught Dutch in England for twelve years, including to "several respectable pupils", and signs his preface from "No. 1, Black-horse-court, Fleet-street". The ESTC shows copies of the 1793 edition at the BL and NYPL only; the present edition is held at Oberlin College and the Library of Congress only. * ESTC N42102.

Seller Inventory # D0205

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The New Pocket Dictionary of the Dutch and English Languages. In Two Parts… Containing all Words of general Use, and authorized by the best Modern Writers. Also the Therms [sic] of Commerce, Navigation, Arts, Sciences, &c. &c
• Publisher: T. Vernor and Hood [etc.], London
• Publication Date: 1794
• Binding: Hardcover
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Books in English