.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
First edition, 1755
Details
Johnson's Dictionary
First edition, 1755
JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784). A Dictionary of the English Language in which the words are deduced from their originals, and illustrated in their different significations by examples from the best writers. London: W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, 1755.
First edition of Dr Johnson’s greatest literary achievement and “the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography” (PMM). Johnson and his successive amanuenses took just over eight years to list the 40,000 words found in the Dictionary. He illustrated his definitions with over 114,000 quotations sourced from the classics of English literature, even rewriting some to fit his purposes. This first edition of the complete Dictionary was published on 15 April 1755, in a print run of 2000 copies. Chapman and Hazen p.137; Fleeman I, p.410; PMM 201; Rothschild 1237.
Two volumes, folio (417 x 247 mm). Titles in red and black, woodcut tailpieces (intermittent pale spotting/toning, a couple of blank corners torn). Contemporary diced russia ruled in gilt, all edges gilt (rebacked preserving original spines, morocco lettering pieces renewed). Provenance: J.P. Andrews (contemporary ownership inscription: "J.P. Andrews- Given by my Aunt Mrs H. Pettit 1757. Cost, book & binding £6 6s" – The Brasenose Club (bookplate) – Tony Hattersley (his sale, Bonhams, 11 September 2007, lot 323).
First edition, 1755
JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784). A Dictionary of the English Language in which the words are deduced from their originals, and illustrated in their different significations by examples from the best writers. London: W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, 1755.
First edition of Dr Johnson’s greatest literary achievement and “the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography” (PMM). Johnson and his successive amanuenses took just over eight years to list the 40,000 words found in the Dictionary. He illustrated his definitions with over 114,000 quotations sourced from the classics of English literature, even rewriting some to fit his purposes. This first edition of the complete Dictionary was published on 15 April 1755, in a print run of 2000 copies. Chapman and Hazen p.137; Fleeman I, p.410; PMM 201; Rothschild 1237.
Two volumes, folio (417 x 247 mm). Titles in red and black, woodcut tailpieces (intermittent pale spotting/toning, a couple of blank corners torn). Contemporary diced russia ruled in gilt, all edges gilt (rebacked preserving original spines, morocco lettering pieces renewed). Provenance: J.P. Andrews (contemporary ownership inscription: "J.P. Andrews- Given by my Aunt Mrs H. Pettit 1757. Cost, book & binding £6 6s" – The Brasenose Club (bookplate) – Tony Hattersley (his sale, Bonhams, 11 September 2007, lot 323).
Brought to you by
Heather Weintraub
Specialist, Books, Manuscripts, & Archives