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. To Which Are Prefixed, A History of the Language, And An English Grammar. By Samuel Johnson, A.M. In Two Volumes. Vol. I. (II.)

Samuel Johnson

RA Collection: Book

Record number

04/3207

Author

Variant Title

General Dictionary Of The English Language

Imprint

London,: Printed by W. Strahan, For J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley., MDCCLV.

Physical Description

2 vols.; 418 mm. (Folio.)

General Note

Vol. I: [1142] p. Some copies ( e.g. Leeds Brotherton Library; University of London Library) have a frontispiece portrait of Samuel Johnson. - Vol. II: [1186] p.

Contents

Vol. I: [T.p.] - Preface - The History Of The English Language - A Grammar Of The English Tongue; Directions to the Book-Binder - [Text, A General Dictionary Of The English Language, A-Kyd]. - Vol. II: [T.p.] - [Text, L-Zootomy].

References

ESTC, T117231

Summary Note

The text is printed in double columns.

This is one of several reference books acquired by the Academy's Library before 1821. The Dictionary went through many editions. In 1770 Johnson became honorary Professor of Ancient Literature at the Royal Academy.

Reproductions

A microfilm version was published in 2006 (Woodbridge, Conn.: Primary Source Microfilm [imprint of Thomson Gale]). A facsimile was published in 1990 (Harlow UK: Longman) (ISBN 0582073804).

Provenance

Council agreed in March 1810 to Flaxman's suggestion that this work be purchased for the Library (RAA Council Minutes, IV, 199-200, 1810 March 5). Recorded in RAA Library, Catalogue, 1821.

Binding Note

18th-century polished calf; red morocco spine-labels lettered 'Johnson's English Dictionary', spines lettered 'A-K (L-Z)'.

Subject

English language - Vocabulary - Great Britain - History
Dictionaries - Reference books - Great Britain - 18th century

Contributors

William Strahan, printer
John Knapton, publisher
Paul Knapton, publisher
Thomas Longman, publisher
Thomas Longman, publisher
Charles Hitch, publisher
Lacy Hawes, publisher
Andrew Millar, publisher
Robert Dodsley, publisher
James Dodsley, publisher
J. and P. Knapton, publisher
T. and T. Longman, publisher
C. Hitch and L. Hawes, publisher
R. and J. Dodsley, publisher