dictionary von samuel johnson (Mehr als 1.200 Ergebnisse)

First edition, in entirely unrestored contemporary condition. Finding a Johnson's Dictionary that has not even been rebacked has become something of an impossible quest in the last two decades; a superior copy, this set also has sheets 19D and 24O both in the first state, which Todd notes is highly uncommon. The creation of the dictionary was Johnson's greatest literary labour. Helped by a succession of needy amanuenses who worked in the surprisingly spacious garret of his house in Gough Square, he experienced the death of his wife and underwent agonies of procrastination before finally completing the task in his 46th year. Boswell called it a work of "superior excellence" and "much greater mental labour, than mere Lexicons, or Word Books as the Dutch call them" (Life of Johnson: An Edition of the Original Manuscript. Vol I: 1709-1765, ed. Marshall Waingrow, Edinburgh, 1994, p. 213). As his use of 114,000 illustrative quotations shows, Johnson clearly intended to combine lexicography with entertainment and instruction; this was the only work he called "my Book" (Letters I: 71). Since it was now owned by the booksellers who had paid him £1,575 in advance, publication by no means saved him from poverty. Yet it was always to be called "Johnson's Dictionary" - and was as much his greatest monument as St. Paul's was Christopher Wren's. The national pride taken in the dictionary was expressed by the poet Christopher Smart when he wrote in the Universal Visitor: "I look upon [it] with equal amazement, as I do upon St. Paul's Cathedral; each the work of one man, each the work of an Englishman" (quoted by Henry Hitchings, Dr. Johnson's Dictionary, London, 2005, pp. 199-200). Alston V 177; Courtney and Smith p. 54; Chapman & Hazen p. 137; Fleeman 55.4D/1a; Printing and the Mind of Man 201; Rothschild 1237; Todd, "Variants in Johnson's Dictionary, 1755", The Book Collector, vol. 14, no. 2, summer 1965, pp. 212-13. 2 volumes, folio (415 x 270 mm). Contemporary panelled calf, spines in compartments with raised bands, dark red morocco labels, gilt rules and volume numbers, sides panelled with blind tooling, red speckled edges. Each volume individually housed in a red cloth folding case. Titles in red and black. Contemporary bookplates of Newark Hudson (presumably the gentleman of that name of Fatfield, Co. Durham) and modern morocco bookplate of Michael Sharpe to both volumes. Front joints cracked (less so in vol. 2) but holding at the cords, surface cracking to rear joints, light rubbing to the extremities, some minor scratches and light surface wear, but otherwise an exceptionally well preserved contemporary binding; internally with vol. 1 front free endpaper loose and minor worming in upper blank margin of some rear leaves, vol. 2 with light creasing and faint staining to first two leaves, but otherwise exceedingly clean and fresh. A superb copy, entirely unrestored, and in very good contemporary condition.

Hardcover. Zustand: Fine. 1st Edition. First Edition, First Printing Published on 15 April, 1755, in an edition of 2000 copies. A magnificent copy elegantly bound in leather. This two volume set is complete with NO missing pages. The bindings are tight for both books with NO cocking or leaning. The boards are crisp with minor wear to the spine and edges. The title page in each book is present and is printed in black and red. The pages are clean with NO writing, marks or bookplates in the book with minor wear. Overall, a spectacular matching 2 volume set of this TRUE FIRST EDITION in collector's condition. We buy Samuel Johnson First Editions.

First edition of this most famous of English dictionaries. "The Dictionary left an immense mark on its age. It soon became recognized as a work of classical standing, and in spite of some minor blemishes it has never lost its historical importance as the first great endeavour of its kind" (ODNB). Begun in 1746, the Dictionary was Johnson's greatest literary labour, including over 2,300 pages, 40,000 defined words, and 114,000 illustrative quotations. The result demonstrated "the fecundity of the language more comprehensively than any of its predecessors. Conscious that his primary role was to record the state of English vocabulary, rather than to legislate for its usage, Johnson registered the entire sweep of words from the crude and demotic to the most rarefied scientific terms and to recent fanciful forms imported from other languages" (ibid.). Johnson's innovations included "grounding his wordlist in the works of English authors, discerning subtle shades of meaning in numbered senses, and providing extensive quotations showing the words in context. Together, these qualities made Johnson's Dictionary, though not a chronological 'first', still the first English dictionary to be widely regarded as the standard of the English language" (Lynch, abstract). Chapman & Hazen, p. 137; Courtney & Smith, p. 54; Fleeman 55.4D/1a; Printing and the Mind of Man 201; Rothschild 1237. Jack Lynch, "Samuel Johnson and the 'First English Dictionary'", Eighteenth-Century English Dictionaries: Prescriptivism and Completeness, 2020. 2 volumes, folio (410 x 260 mm). Contemporary sprinkled calf, first and final compartments renewed to style, spines with green labels and red numbering pieces, gilt roll to raised bands, floral gilt roll on board edges, book-block edges sprinkled red. Title pages printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces in text. Old shelfmark on front pastedowns. Minor craquelure to spines, rubbing to extremities, small portion of leather renewed at lower board edge of vol. II, tiny paper repair stabilizing the opening letter "A" of vol. I title page, foxing to occasional leaves, contents with wide margins. A very attractive set.

First and only edition of the first English dictionary compiled by an American, and a noted American rarity. 32mo (4 7/8" tall), pp. 198; contemporary marbled boards neatly rebacked in modern calf, red morocco label on spine. With the early ownership signature on the verso of the title-p. of Betsy Norton, 1798 (possibly Elizabeth Cranch Norton, niece of Abagail Adams and part of the extended family of John Adams -- this based on a comparison of the handwriting in a 48-p. journal of Miss Norton's once owned by us). While the book is undated, an advertisement for it appeared in the November 8, 1798 issue of the Connecticut Journal recommending the book, and with a testimonial signed by a number of notables, including Noah Webster. A portion of this advertisement, which includes the recommendation of Noah Webster, is affixed to the verso of the title page. Dated 1796 by Evans; however, probably not issued before 1797, as O'Brien was a member of the firm of Tiebout & O'Brien until April 5, 1797. Sometime in 1798 he removed to St. John, New Brunswick. The dictionary includes approximately 4100 words in a single column. The ironically named Samuel Johnson, Jr., according to Burkett, was the great grand-nephew of the learned Dr. Samuel Johnson (not THE Samuel Johnson), the first President of King's College. He was born on March 10, 1757, and attended Yale. He died in 1836. He passed his life mostly as a teacher of grammar and geography in Guilford, Connecticut. One of his pupils was Fitz-Greene Halleck, the poet. Burkett claims only 4 copies are known (British Library, Yale, Harvard, and Library of Congress), but OCLC locates only 3: Trinity College, Yale ("nibbled edges, and with 24 pages missing" according to Burkett), and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. ESTC adds the Library of Congress (also defective). The American Antiquarian Society has a microfilm copy only. Not in the Cordell Collection. See Burkett, American Dictionaries of the English Language before 1861, pp. 8-16. Evans 30640 (misdating the book as 1796 and locating only the BL (a ghost?) and Yale copies).

2 volumes. First Edition. Title pages printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces. Royal folio (410 x 260 mm.), expertly bound to style in full polished speckled calf, spines with raised bands creating seven compartments, ruled in gilt on either side of each band, the bands with fine gilt toolwork, two compartments with contrasting red and green morocco lettering pieces gilt, five compartments with full gilt panel decorations incorporating elaborate borders and central tooling, the covers with double gilt fillet rules at the borders, all edges dyed as original and without further trimming. Collation: Vol. I [A]2, B-K2, a-c2, d1,2B-2K, 2L-13A2, one leaf signed 13B-14Z; Vol. II [-]1, 15A-16Z2, one leaf signed 17A-17Z, 18A-22E2, one leaf signed 22F-22Z, 23A-27D2, one leaf signed 27E-28Z, 29A-31C2 . A very handsome copy beautifully preserved. The bindings in superb condition. The text-blocks both clean and unpressed and with fine impressions. a large copy with fine margins. A beautiful copy in excellent condition. and an unusually fine, handsome and clean set. RARE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT, THE TRUE FIRST EDITION OF SAMUEL JOHNSON S MASTERWORK AND A WONDERFUL CLEAN AND LARGE COPY. "The most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography (PMM). Begun in 1747 and printed over five years, Johnson's DICTIONARY set the standard for all subsequent lexicographical work. Its excellence was immediately recognized in all quarters and the first edition of two thousand copies sold quickly. What set Johnson's DICTIONARY apart from earlier efforts was his reliance on the examples of English literature rather than his own intuition or previous word lists or dictionaries, a method that has been the standard ever since, from Richardson and Webster to the Oxford English Dictionary. Johnson, in undertaking this vast work, set out to perform single-handed for the English language what the French Academy, a century before, had attempted for French. He hope to produce "a dictionary by which the pronunciation of our language may be fixed, and its attainment facilitated;" and though, of course, no language can be frozen in time, by aiming at fixing the language he succeeded in giving the standard of reputable use. As Noah Webster stated, his work "had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics." Johnson presumed to finish the work for the Dictionary in three years by his own labor, but he underestimated the work required and it eventually took nine years to complete (though not all of his time was spent upon the Dictionary, as he was also the editor of The Rambler at this time) and required the assistance of six amanuenses--five of whom, to Boswell's satisfaction, were Scotsmen. "Johnson's achievement marked an epoch in the history of the language. The result of nine years labor, it did more than any other work before or since towards fixing the language. The preface ranks among Johnson's finest writings. The most amazing, enduring, and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (Printing and the Mind of Man). "The most important British cultural monument of the eighteenth century" (Hitchings); "the only dictionary [of the English language] compiled by a writer of the first rank " (Robert Burchfield) and first genuinely descriptive dictionary in any language. "Johnson's writings had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics" (Webster). "It is the fate of those that toil at the lower employments of life, to be rather driven by the fear of evil, than attracted by the prospect of good; to be . punished for neglect, where success would have been without applause, and diligence without reward. Among these unhappy mortals is the writer of dictionaries . Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach" (Johnson, preface to the present work). Samuel Johnson's monumental work, which drew on all the best ideas and aspects of earlier dictionaries, was published on April 15, 1755 in an edition of 2000 copies. The price was a high one £4 10s, or £3 10s to the trade. The group of publishers whose names appear in the imprint were joint proprietors, having paid Johnson £1575 in installments for copy which took him eight years to complete, although in the final months publication was held back for the granting of his Oxford M.A. (Feb. 20, 1755). Some of Johnson's advance was used to rent the well-known house in 17 Gough Square, where the garret became his "dictionary work-shop." He called on the assistance of six amanuenses, five of whom, Boswell proudly records, were Scotsmen, and who were almost derelict when he hired them. "With no real library at hand, Johnson wrote the definitions of over 40,000 words.illustrating the senses in which these words could be used by including about 114,000 quotations drawn from English writing in every field of learning during the two centuries from the middle of the Elizabethan period down to his own time" (W. Jackson Bate, Samuel Johnson (New York, 1977), p.247. "It is the dictionary itself which justifies Noah Webster's statement that Johnson's writings had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics. Johnson introduced into English lexicography principles which had already been accepted in Europe but were quite novel in mid-eighteenth-century England. He codified the spelling of English words; he gave full and lucid definitions of their meanings (often entertainingly colored by his High Church and Tory propensities); and he adduced extensive and apt illustrations from a wide range of authoritative writers.but despite the progress made during the past two centuries in historical and comparative philology, Johnson's book may still be consulted for instruction as well as pleasure" (PMM). The Dictionary was issued with two titlepages, identifying the volumes as "I" and "II," and is usually divided between the letters "K" and "L," as he.

First edition, 2 volumes, folio, title pages in red and black, lexicon in double column; contemporary full paneled calf, gilt-decorated spine in 8 compartments, red and brown morocco labels in 2; sometime rebacked with original spine laid down, joints restored, endpapers and flyleaves renewed. A very good, sound, and clean copy. Alston V, 177; Courtney & Nicol Smith, p. 54; Fleeman 55.4D/1a; Grolier, English 100, 50; Printing and the Mind of Man, 201; Rothschild 1237.

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, titles in red and black, decorated ornaments, few leaves very lightly yellowed or slightly toned, a handful of gatherings minimally foxed at margins, the odd very short clean tear from edges, 2 vols, I: ff. [580]; II: ff. [580], double column, tall folio, (415 x 255mm), contemporary sprinkled calf, expertly and sympathetically rebacked, original endpapers preserved, double gilt ruled, raised bands, spine gilt, gilt-lettered morocco label, minor expert repair to corners and lower edges, handful of small scratches to boards, alphabet sequence inked to fore-edges (18thC), 19thC autograph Champion Branfill to ffeps, late 18thC armorial bookplate of Joseph Cator (pasted over earlier Cator bookplate) to front pastedowns, one late 18thC marginal annotation to vol.2. An excellent, clean, tall copy of the first edition (first issue) of the most influential, first systematic dictionary of the English language with a very interesting, contemporary Johnson-related provenance. Dr Johnson (1709-84) 'the most distinguished man of letters in English history' (ODNB) worked on his magnum opus from 1745 to 1755. The first edition was issued in 2000 copies, each volume set being sold for £4.10s. The Dictionary was the concerted effort of several booksellers, publishers and the printer William Strahan. 'They recognized that the time was ripe to bring to fruition the idea of a standard English dictionary which the Royal Society had entertained as far back as 1664' (PMM). This monumental feat was inspired by similar 'national' dictionaries produced in Italy and France, as well as by the complex cataloguing of the Harleian collection which Johnson carried out with William Oldys in the 1710s. Then he had the chance to consult all the major European dictionaries of Latin, Greek and the vernaculars, in which he identified the most important, and often innovative for England, features which a good and helpful dictionary should possess. For instance, 'Johnson's particular use of illustrative quotations represents a clear break with the most "polite" wishes for lexicography by giving examples, generally, rather than prescription from the chief linguistic authority. In addition, the illustrative quotations give Johnson's book its encyclopaedic quality' (Demaria, p.87). Divided into four parts, the Dictionary begins with a preface discussing lexicography, its purpose and main problems. There follow a grammar and a history of the English language which, though not innovative, most interestingly provides several long excerpts from the Old English Gospels, printed using Anglo-Saxon type. The remainder of the two volumes comprises the dictionary itself. Johnson's work rested on innovative theories of lexicography, known in Europe but not as much in England: '[h]e codified the spelling of English words; he gave full and lucid definitions of their meanings [ ]; and he adduced extensive and apt illustrations from a wide range of authoritative writers' (PMM). The late 18th-century annotator of this copy added a marginal reference to Shakespeare's Winter's Tale, Act V, next to the word 'loyalty'. The present copy features, as very rarely happens, both issue points for setting (a) on leaves 19D (found very infrequently) and 24O, as described by W. Todd. This copy has an intriguing, Johnson-related provenance. In the late 18th century, it was in the library of Joseph Cator (1733-1818) of Beckenham. He was the son of the timber merchant John Cator (1728-1806), resident at Beckenham since c.1773; John was a close acquaintance of Dr Johnson, and an important member of his close circle, including Henry and Hester Thrale, and John Hawkesworth. In 1784, Johnson described John Cator as having 'a rough, manly, independent understanding and does not spoil it by complaisance. He never speaks merely to please and seldom is mistaken in things, which he has any right to know. There is much good in his character and much usefulness in his knowledge' (in Boswell, p.528). Like the Thrales, Johnson was a frequent visitor at Beckenham, which he called 'one of the finest places at which I ever was a guest; and where I find more and more hospital welcome' (in Boswell, p.528). An important merchant with dealings in Jamaica and India, Joseph Cator spent the last thirty years of his life at Beckenham, from at least 1781. In the three years before Johnson's death in 1784, Joseph most probably had the chance to meet him at Beckenham. He was a fine bibliophile, his bookplate adorning numerous fine books and manuscripts. In the version used here, pasted over his older bookplate as a bachelor, the Cator arms are impaled with those of the Albemarles, from whom Diane, Joseph's wife from 1780, was descended. In the 19th century, this copy was most probably in the library of Champion Branfill IV (1792-1844). First student at Eton, later at Trinity College, Cambridge, he served in the 3rd Kings Own Dragoon Guards, before settling at his family's seat of Upminster Hall in 1818. His sister, Jemima Branfill (or Brydges), was known to Jane Austen, who mentions her in her letters twice, once for the way she danced at a ball, the other for her sudden disappearance probably because of large debts she had accrued. A very handsome, interesting copy. P. Ridler, The Cators of Beckenham and Woodbastwick (2002); The Story of Upminster: Book 5 The Branfills of Upminster Hall (1958); J. Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D (1847); R. Demaria, Jr, 'Johnson's Dictionary', in The Cambridge Companion to Samuel Johnson (1997), pp.85-101; W. Todd, 'Variants in Johnson's Dictionary, 1755', The Book Collector, 14 (1965), pp.212-13. ESTC T117231; Alston V, 177; O'Neill, Cordell, J-40; PMM 201; Fleeman 55.4D/1a.

Hardcover. Zustand: Very Good. 2 vols. 17.25 x 10.5", early handsome rebinding in speckled calf with calf inserts on covers with gilt-lettered red and green spine labels, minor rubbing to covers, marginal toning to prelims, very light scattered foxing and finger soiling else a remarkably nicely preserved set. FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING (with Bacon quote under "Part" #7). Housed in custom leather backed cloth clamshell cases lined in green felt.

First edition. First edition. Title pages printed in red and black. Text printed in two columns. 2 vols. Folio (407 x 248 mm.). The First Edition of Johnson's Dictionary. A finely bound first edition of "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (PMM). Strahan's ledger shows that a printing charge was made to the proprietors of the Dictionary at least as early as December, 1750. By the beginning of 1753, Johnson had resolved his differences with booksellers, and progress became more rapid, though he did not start the second volume until April, 1753. The Dictionary was officially published on April 15, 1755, in an edition of 2000 copies, and sold at the high price of £4-10s-0d. "Johnson's writings had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics" - Noah Webster. Courtney, pp. 54-5; Chapman & Hazen, pp. 137-8; PMM 201; Rothschild 1237; Fleeman I, p. 410; Slade & Kolb, Johnson's Dictionary, pp. 105-113 Recent period-style binding in full speckled calf, boards ruled and decorated in blind, spines gilt with contrasting lettering pieces. Fine (some light toning at outer margins), a very attractive set Title pages printed in red and black. Text printed in two columns. 2 vols. Folio (407 x 248 mm.).

First edition. First edition. Title pages printed in red and black. Text printed in two columns. 2 vols. Folio (407 x 248 mm.). The First Edition of Johnson's Dictionary in Contemporary Calf. First edition of "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (PMM). Strahan's ledger shows that a printing charge was made to the proprietors of the Dictionary at least as early as December, 1750. By the beginning of 1753, Johnson had resolved his differences with booksellers, and progress became more rapid, though he did not start the second volume until April, 1753. The Dictionary was officially published on April 15, 1755, in an edition of 2000 copies, and sold at the high price of £4-10s-0d. Courtney, pp. 54-5; Chapman & Hazen, pp. 137-8; PMM 201; Rothschild 1237; Fleeman I, p. 410; Slade & Kolb, Johnson's Dictionary, pp. 105-113 Contemporary calf gilt. Rebacked retaining original backstrips, endpapers renewed. Corners somewhat worn, title pages creased (vol. I with blank lower outer corner restored); occasional foxing (at times pronounced), chiefly in first volume, scattered light stains and early marginalia. Old repairs to last 3 leaves of vol. II (margins of 3IB; three portions of 3IC costing approx. 30 words; and small repairs on terminal leaf costing 5 words. Sound, generally clean, sturdy and attractive. Very good. Cloth slipcases Title pages printed in red and black. Text printed in two columns. 2 vols. Folio (407 x 248 mm.).

Hardcover. Zustand: Good. 1st Edition. Large folio. 2vols. Unpaginated. A-K2, a-c2, d1, B-13A2, 1 ff. of 13B1-14Z; (1), 15A-16Z2, 1 ff. of 17A-17Z, 18A-22E2, 1 ff. of 22F-22Z, 23A-27D2, 1ff of 27E-28Z, 29A-31C2. Text in double columns. Title-pages printed in red and black. Decorative woodcut tail-pieces. Contemporary full calf, neatly rebacked. Red & green morocco labels, title-page of vol.1 partly repaired. Faint damp-staining and water-staining, a few corners creased, some small tears.

"The Most Amazing, Enduring and Endearing One-Man Feat in the Field of Lexicography" JOHNSON, Samuel. 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. London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. and P. Knapton., 1755. First edition of "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (Printing and the Mind of Man). Two large folio volumes (16 5/8 x 9 7/8 inches; 422 x 251 mm.). Unpaginated. Text in double columns. Title-pages printed in red and black. Decorative woodcut tail-pieces. Title-pages with light staining, first title-page (A1) with an early faded ink inscription at foot of page and small expert repairs to the fore and lower edge and top left-hand corner with no loss of text. Expertly repaired closed tear to left-hand margin with no loss of text. First twenty leaves of volume one have a crease to the lower corner, and the last three leaves (13B-14Z) have a stain on the top corner. The last leaf (14Z) has a small piece (2 1/4 x 1 inch) replaced in the outer margin with no loss of text and a small lower marginal repair. Marginal pencil notation on 11R2 recto. Small stains to top margins of 12R2 verso and 12T2 verso. Volume two with very small ink stain to fore-edge margins of 30Z-31C, ink stain and early ink notations to 16O verso, small piece torn away from lower corner of 19R2, small clean lower marginal tears to 24X and 29B2. The last few leaves slightly creased at lower corner, last leaf (31C2) with tiny repair to lower margin. The last leaf of the preface (C2 verso) has a seven line early ink inscription from Boswell's Life of Johnson "The only Aid Dr. Johnson received was a Paper containing twenty etymologies from a Person then unknown, whom he afterwards found to be DR. Pearce, Bishop of Rochester. Boswell's Life of Johnson. The Author was now only in his 46th year and lived almost thirty years after the Publication of this Great Work." Full contemporary dark brown calf, covers with double-rule blind borders, spines with six raised bands, decoratively tooled in blind in compartments, red and dark green morocco labels lettered in gilt, later endpapers, all edges sprinkled red. Expertly restored with the original spines laid down, head, tail and corners repaired. Aside from all the aforementioned this is a very good complete and tall copy at a reasonable price. "Begun in 1747, and printed over five years, Johnson's Dictionary at once put to shame every other dictionary that had ever been written and set the standard for every dictionary that has been written since. Its genius was at once acknowledged by every hand, and the first edition of two thousand copies was instantly sold out.Perhaps the greatest innovation in Johnson's work was his consistent reliance not on earlier word-lists and dictionaries, not on his own intuition, but on English literature itselfâ "the vast, wonderful treasury of words that, well chosen and properly sorted and accurately quoted, became in itself almost a dictionary of the language. Indeed, after Johnson showed the way by quoting from English literature at every turn, it was even suggested that a great dictionary might be written without definitions at allâ "if the quotations were plentiful enough and well enough chosen and edited. This insistence on real examples from the real language as it has been really used has informed every serious dictionary every sinceâ "from Richardson and Webster to the new OED" (The Collection of The Garden Ltd., Sotheby's New York, November 9 and 10, 1989, lot 148). Courtney and Nichol Smith, pp. 54-55. Grolier, 100 English, 50. Printing and the Mind of Man 201. Rothschild 1237.

Hardcover. First Edition. Two tall, thick folio (10-1/2" x 17") volumes, each with a title page, in contemporary calf leather neatly rebacked with the original spines with contrasting red and black morocco spine labels. The true First Edition of Johnson's great literary labor, "a monument of industry and talent [and] the unrivalled authority for the English language" (COURTNEY AND SMITH, page 54) and "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (PRINTING AND THE MIND OF MAN). SLATE contributor Adam Kirsch in a 2003 NPR broadcast said this about Johnson's DICTIONARY: "The modern dictionary's ideal reader is a Martian scientist: someone with no background knowledge who wants a unique definition for every word. Johnson's dictionary, on the other hand, implies a reader much like Johnson himself: a curious and intelligent English speaker who wants to gain a fuller sense of words he already knows. Johnson clearly recognizes the paradox of the dictionary-- you have to know most of what's in it in order to use it" ("Slate's Culturebox: Johnson's 18th-Century English," DAY TO DAY, 24 September 2003). Volume 1 title page with small paper repair to upper fore-edge; volume 2 title page damp-stained; occasional light spotting, the second volume with occasional light marginal damp-staining. Near Fine, attractive copy.

Calf. Zustand: Very Good. First edition. FIRST EDITION OF JOHNSON'S LANDMARK DICTIONARY. A monumental work by anyone's standards, Johnson'sDictionarytook over eight years to complete. "With no real library at hand, Johnson wrote the definitions of over 40,000 words. illustrating the senses in which these words could be used by including about 114,000 quotations drawn from English writing in every field of learning during the two centuries from the middle of the Elizabethan period down to his own time" (W. Jackson Bate). "Johnson introduced into English lexicography principles which had already been accepted in Europe but were quite novel in mid-eighteenth-century England. He codified the spelling of English words; he gave full and lucid definitions of their meanings (often entertainingly coloured by his High Church and Tory propensities); and he adduced extensive and apt illustrations from a wide range of authoritative writers. His dictionary [is the] most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (Printing and the Mind of Man201). Published on 15 April, 1755, in an edition of 2000 copies, it is estimated that slightly more than half survive. JOHNSON, SAMUEL. 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, an An English Grammar. London: Printed by W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton, et al., 1755. First edition. Folio, two volumes. Vol. 1: Title-Page; Preface, [10 pp.]; The History of the English Language, [27 pp.]; A Grammar of the English Tongue [13 pp.]; Directions to the Book-Binder [1 p.]; General Dictionary (A-K inclusive), [1,285 pp.]. Vol. 2: Title-Page, [1 p.], General Dictionary (L-Z inclusive), [1,486 pp.]. Bound in early calf, expertly re-backed at some point (likely early-mid 20th century) in contemporary style, morocco spine labels with gilt lettering. Upper boards with (later) gilt stamp of the crest of English actor Frank Wyndham Godlie (1897-1957) consisting of a golden wheat sheaf (or, garb Or)) and ownership bookplate on front pastedowns of Godlie as well. On endpaper of second volume, a 1948 Sotheby's sale tag. Inscribed in ink on Title-Page "William Boyd", with mid-nineteenth-century annotations in like hand on 9Q1r, 10S2v, 30H2r and 30T1r. [A2]-B1 re-hinged, wear to corners and some closed tears around edges in first and last few pages in both volumes, Title-Page has three closed tears along bottom edge, three large creases from fore-edge to bottom, toning on all edges; occasional light foxing throughout but most significant on 3M2-3P2 and 7I2, small dots of ink splatter on 7T1, tan mark on 8R2, tear to top corner on 6D1, 6F1, 7Y1 and 8Q2, some creasing on 4F1 and 10G2. References: PMM 201. Grolier, 100 in English, 50. Rothschild 1237. A RARE FIRST EDITION OF ONE OF THE MONUMENTS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IN HANDSOME EARLY CALF.

Full Description: JOHNSON, Samuel. 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. London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. and P. Knapton., 1755. First edition of "the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (Printing and the Mind of Man). Two large folio volumes, tall paper copies, (16 1/4 x 10 1/8 inches; 412 x 258 mm.). Unpaginated. Text in double columns. Title-pages printed in red and black. Decorative woodcut tail-pieces. Full contemporary speckled calf, rebacked to style. Spines with original two red and green calf spine labels, lettered in gilt. Spines ruled in gilt in compartments, six raised bands. Board edges tooled in gilt. Boards a bit rubbed and scuffed, with a bit of wear to some corners. Previous owner's two bookplates on front pastedown of each volume. Previous owner's old ink inscription on front pastedown of each volume, dated 1807. A few instances of minor worming to blank margin, not affecting text. Some toning from glue to edges of pastedowns and blanks. Overall, a very clean and nice set. "Begun in 1747, and printed over five years, Johnson's Dictionary at once put to shame every other dictionary that had ever been written and set the standard for every dictionary that has been written since. Its genius was at once acknowledged by every hand, and the first edition of two thousand copies was instantly sold out.Perhaps the greatest innovation in Johnson's work was his consistent reliance not on earlier word-lists and dictionaries, not on his own intuition, but on English literature itselfâ "the vast, wonderful treasury of words that, well chosen and properly sorted and accurately quoted, became in itself almost a dictionary of the language. Indeed, after Johnson showed the way by quoting from English literature at every turn, it was even suggested that a great dictionary might be written without definitions at allâ "if the quotations were plentiful enough and well enough chosen and edited. This insistence on real examples from the real language as it has been really used has informed every serious dictionary every sinceâ "from Richardson and Webster to the new OED" (The Collection of The Garden Ltd., Sotheby's New York, November 9 and 10, 1989, lot 148). Courtney & Nichol Smith, p. 54. Printing and the Mind of Man 201. Rothschild 1237. HBS 69072. $15,000.

First Edition. DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE in Which the Words are deduced from their Originals To Which are Prefixed a History of the Language and An English Grammar, London, W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton, 1755, first edition, two volumes, large folio (16 -1/2 x 10 -1/4 inches; 412 x 254 mm.), unpaginated. Text in double columns with title-pages printed in red and black along with decorative woodcut tail-pieces. 1/2,000 copies. A most handsome rebound copy in full leather with raised spines and with professional repair to the fore edge corner tips as needed. The title page of volume 2 has been relaid down to promote the loss of the original bottom inch and the first page of text of this volume exhibits some modest wrinkling. All in all, a sumptuous copy with virtually no staining nor foxing and bright brilliant text. A Printing and the Mind of Man title.

Hardcover. Zustand: Fine. 2nd Edition. A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson. 2 Volumes. Second edition so stated on the title-page. 1755/1756. Publisher: Printed by W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, London. Unpaginated. Large folio 10 ½ x 16 ½ inches. Bound in modern full leather with raised bands, decorative lettering to the spine, ornate front and back leather tooling. Marbled endpapers. Slight rubbing to the boards else in fine condition. Contents clean with the exception of foxing to the last 7 pages of volume 1 and the last 4 pages of volume 2. Title-page of volume 1 repaired and is complete. Overall an exceptional copy of a classic publication. Inventory #20-381. Price: $12,500. The book is also a compendium of English literature, reprinting fine examples of words from the masters, often Shakespeare or Sir Francis Bacon. Johnson illustrated the meanings of his 40,000 definitions with more than 100,000 quotations drawn from the time of Shakespeare down to Johnson s own time.

Two vols. in full calf. Zustand: Very Good. First Edition. Two volumes. Stout folio. Title pages printed in red and black. Bound in modern full calf with raised bands and brown morocco labels on spines. A few minor marginal tears with subtle, expert repairs. Text generally quite clean. First edition of Johnson's landmark dictionary bound in stately period-style full ornate calf gilt. A writing pen has been place in the foreground of one of the photos to indicate size of the folio volumes. Johnson's achievement introduced principles of lexicography that had been accepted in continental Europe, but remained uncodified in mid-18th century England. In sum, he gave us the King's English. The catalog to the exhibit Printing and the Mind of Man reveals, "Johnson's dictionary to be "the most amazing, enduring, and endearing one-man performance in the filed of lexicography." Further, "Johnson's lucid and often idiosyncratic definitions have kept their freshness, and the Dictionary may still be consulted for instruction or pleasure."A beautiful set of the folio first edition, handsomely bound. PMM, 344. Shipping, at cost, to be agreed upon.

Folio. Titles in red & black; marginal paper repairs to titlepages & to a few additional leaves, most notably to final leaf of vol. I but not affecting text, some sl. foxing, heavier in places. Handsomely rebound in half speckled calf, raised bands, gilt compartments, red & green morocco labels. Occasional stamp of Bournemouth Public Libraries at top right corner. Fleeman 55.4D/1a; Alston V 177; ESTC T117231. FIRST EDITION.

First edition, second state (without Chesterfield's name on A1 recto), 4to, pp. [2] , 34; slightly later full calf, gilt-lettered direct on gilt-paneled spine; title page a bit spotted, especially along the fore-edge; all else very good. Leaf size approx. 9" x 7¼". Late 19th- or early 20th-century bookplate of "William Willis / Temple" (1835-1911, an English barrister, judge, and Liberal Party politician. He sat in the House of Commons from 1880 to 1885). "A notable document which showed that the problem of [establishing standardized English] had found its master, one who had the vision, the learning, the common sense, and the tenacity to execute a project comparable to that which had for so long occupied the French Academy. Under such a burden of responsibility Johnson formulated a comprehensive and minute plan, discussing selection of the vocabulary, orthography, pronunciation, etymology, syntax, definitions, usage, and citations of authorities. Johnson's "Plan" presented two proposals of outstanding importance, the carefully divided and ordered definition and the citation of authorities" (Starnes & Noyes, pp. 148-52). "Johnson conceived the thought of compiling an English Dictionary quite early in life, but he did not turn to the work until his proposals to publish an edition of Shakespeare in 1745 were nullified by Tonson, the holder of the Shakespeare copyright. Work began fairly early in 1746 for Johnson's manuscript draft of his plan, entitled "A Short Scheme for compiling a new Dictionary of the English Language," now in the Hyde collection, is dated 20 April, 1746. The manuscript was read by at least two readers who made notes an comments on it. Johnson then revised and rewrote his "Short Scheme" and had the second version copied out by a professional scribe . The faircopy was apparently read by Lord Chesterfield to whom the published version was addressed . In August 1747 the Plan was published. There are two versions of the original quarto pamphlet, the first bearing the drop-head title on p. 1 "To the Right Honorable Philip Dormer, Earl of Chesterfield . The first signed sheet A containing pp. 1-8 was then canceled and reprinted, the second version having no drop-head title on p. 1, and differing in a few minor readings . When the Dictionary was about to appear in February 1755, the Plan was reprinted from the non-Chesterfield version, as an octavo pamphlet, still bearing the date of 1747" (Alston). Fleeman 47.8PD/1b; Alston V, 361; Courtney & Smith, p. 20; Chapman & Hazen, p. 130; Kennedy 6234.

2 volumes. The Fourth edition, the highly important final folio edition to be revised by Johnson himself. Provenance: Sir James & Lucy Esdaile (inscription dated (?)1775); James Kennedy Esdaile (armorial bookplate); Edmund Esdaile, Pembroke College, Oxford (inscription). Title-pages printed in red and black. Royal folio (425 X 265mm), in original binding of full calf over thick boards, the backs expertly restored to full period grandeur with elaborate gilt tooled compartments with grand central tools and extensive additional tooling all in gilt between gilt decorated bands, two compartments with contrasting red and green labels gilt lettered and decorated, endpapers marbled. A very attractive set, the original calf with some pleasant age, corners consolidated, first two leaves of Vol. I with some normal creasing, the text clean and fresh, withal a very solid, handsome copy in fine state. A VERY HANDSOME SET OF THE HIGHLY IMPORTANT FOURTH EDITION, which was the last in which Samuel Johnson himself had any involvement. TEXTUALLY, IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE BEST EDITION of Johnson's great work and THE MOST IMPORTANT EDITION AFTER THE FIRST of 1755. It contains Johnson's advertisement (THE FIRST EDITION TO DO SO) in which he states, 'Perfection is unattainable, but nearer and nearer approaches may be made; and finding my Dictionary about to be reprinted, I have endeavoured, by a revisal, to make it less reprehensible'. Johnson, in undertaking the vast work of creating his dictionary, set out to perform single handed for the English language what the French Academy, a century before, had attempted for French. He hope to produce "a dictionary by which the pronunciation of our language may be fixed, and its attainment facilitated;" and though, of course, no language can be frozen in time, by aiming at fixing the language he succeeded in giving the standard of reputable use. As Noah Webster stated, his work "had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics." "Johnson's achievement marked an epoch in the history of the language. The result of nine years labor, it did more than any other work before or since towards fixing the language. The preface ranks among Johnson's finest writings. The most amazing, enduring, and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (Printing and the Mind of Man).

Hardcover. Zustand: Near Fine. Two volumes; folio, size of bindings: 10 5/8 in. x 16 7/8 in. x 3 ½ in. (thick); page size: 16 9/16 in. x 9 12/16 in.; both title pages printed in red and black. The first volume lacks the front blank; Volume 1: 2M + Volume 2: 21X, both show an internal crease to the paper, without loss of printed text. Rebound in full, tan, polished calf; spines with six raised bands, and red and black morocco leather title labels, gilt-lettered: JOHNSON S DICTIONARY / A K VOL. I + L Z VOL. II, with decoration in simple, gilt bands across the spine and on the raised bands. Original, red-sprinkled edges have not been trimmed; new flyleaves of antique-style paper have been added. In a brown buckram-covered slipcase, with felt lining, and brown silk pulls (the pull for Volume 1, is missing). Slipcase shows some edge wear, with loosening to central dividing panel. Modern bookplates on front paste-downs of both volumes, and small, inked numbers in upper right corners of facing (new) endpapers. Top of spine shows some of the leather chipped away, with a ½ in. vertical split to the leather on the lower spine of Volume 1, some small splits to the spine ends in both volumes, cover corners show light wear, light abrasion to front cover of Volume 1. The lower edge of Volume 1 shows an ink stain, with a few tiny ink stains to fore-edges. Blank leaves show tanning. A few lower page corners show creases. Despite these few age-related defects, this is a finer and cleaner copy than is ordinarily available. Weight: 30 lbs. Postage is extra on this item.

Second edition, 2 volumes, folio, title pages printed in red and black; contemporary marbled boards neatly rebacked and retipped ca. early 20th century; red and green morocco labels on gilt-decorated spines; the green labels faded to brown, title page of volume II with slight streaky stain, also some dampstaining to the tops of the last dozen leaves in volume II; all else very good and sound. A handsome copy. The second edition is virtually identical to the first, except that the words "second edition" have been added to the title pages and volume II is dated 1756. Published in 165 weekly numbers. "Demand fell off as the work proceeded, and Strahan reduced the number of copies accordingly from just under 2,300 copies of the early numbers, to 768 copies of volume II. This figure is therefore the maximum number possible of complete copies, making this the smallest and possibly the scarcest of the folio editions . There are some minor textual variants in this edition, which was entirely reset from the first; most obviously they occur in the abbreviation of the authorities cited" (Fleeman). Alston V, 178; Courtney & Nicol Smith, p. 54; Fleeman 55.4D/2; Sledd & Kolb, p. 111-114. Alston V, 178; Courtney & Nicol Smith, p. 54; see Grolier, English 100, 50 and Printing and the Mind of Man, 201.

First edition, issue with leaf A reset to exclude the Earl of Chesterfield's name on the recto and E1v corrected. 4to, very handsomely bound in an antique binding in fine period style by Riviere and Son, most probably in the early 1900's using proper full mottled calf, the covers with a double gilt ruled frame with round tooled corner-pieces gilt, the spine with two handsome gilt devices and gilt tooled bands, a long brown morocco label handsomely gilt lettered and tooled, very ornate gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers and a.e.g. 34 pp. A truly handsome copy of this scarce work, the text in fine, fresh and clean condition with only a bit of the minor spotting as is always the case, the binding very fine. RARE FIRST EDITION OF THIS HIGHLY IMPORTANT WORK PRECEDING THE ACTUAL PUBLICATION AND PREPARATION OF SAMUEL JOHNSON'S GREAT DICTIONARY. THE GREATEST LEXICOGRAPHICAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND A FEAT UNSURPASSED BY ANY ONE INDIVIDUAL UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. Although Johnson had at first been encouraged by Chesterfield's interest, generously allowing that he had "more knowledge than I expected," he later felt he had been neglected, complaining that he had brought the Dictionary "to the verge of publication, without one act of assistance, one word of encouragement, or one smile of favour" (Boswell, Life, I.262). Johnson, in undertaking the vast work of creating his dictionary, set out to perform singlehanded for the English language what the French Academy, a century before, had attempted for French. He hope to produce "a dictionary by which the pronunciation of our language may be fixed, and its attainment facilitated;" and though, of course, no language can be frozen in time, by aiming at fixing the language he succeeded in giving the standard of reputable use. As Noah Webster stated, his work "had, in philology, the effect which Newton's discoveries had in mathematics." "Johnson's achievement marked an epoch in the history of the language. The result of nine years labor, it did more than any other work before or since towards fixing the language. The preface ranks among Johnson's finest writings. The most amazing, enduring, and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography" (Printing and the Mind of Man).

[Dictionary] FIRST EDITIONS. Complete in two volumes. Folio (42 x 27cm). Titles printed in black and red. Bound to style in full brown calf with red and green title labels, raised bands to spine, decorated in gilt and blind. Some expected spotting/toning from use; more-so to first and final leaves of each volume, expert paper conservation to title of vol.II, older repairs to final leaf of each volume, last gathering washed, inside paper joint cracked. Overall very good, in a functional and attractive modern leather binding (circa 1972; collated at that time and noted in pencil to flyleaf). Dr. Johnson performed with his dictionary the most amazing, enduring and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography; a cornerstone of the English language. FLEEMAN, J.D., 'A Bibliography of the Works of Samuel Johnson', 55.4D/1a.

2 vols. Folio. Occasional damp marking to lower margin of vol. I. Overall an exceptionally clean copy. Handsomely rebound in full panelled calf by John Henderson, raised bands, elaborate gilt compartments, black & brown morocco labels. v.g. Fleeman 55.4D/2; Alston V 178; ESTC T14931. Issued in 165 weekly parts at 6d. beginning on 14 June 1755. Fleeman notes that demand for the weekly parts reduced and Strahan subsequently cut the number of copies printed from 2,300 for the early numbers to 768 for those in volume II. The second edition is subsequently scarcer than the first, of which 2,000 copies were printed.

2 vols in 3. 16 x 9.5, newer full leather, unpag, covers rubbed, extremities bumped and fraying, large dark stain to top right corner of front cover and top of spine of vol 1, newer (20th century) endpapers, ink name of former owner on front flies, ink marginalia scattered throughout, many pp remargined due to heavy staining to foredge margins with some minor loss of text, vols with some intrusive mold stains to foredge margin of text block, second volume title page heavily chipped and remargined; still, a usable copy of the FIRST ED, first state with "Bacon's Natural History" under the definition of "Part" (#7). Text has been divided into A- E, F-Q and R-Z with second volume title page inserted at front of volume 2.

Zustand: Fine. Number of books: 2 volumes In 2 folio vols.

Hardcover. Zustand: Good. The Third Edition; In Two Volumes; .To which are prefixed, A History of the Language, and An English Grammar.; Remnants of original cover leather laid over new leathers, gilt spine title on red & black Morocco labels, 6 heavy raised bands, & title page in rubric; A good or good+ tight set with even wear but no glaring defects, note: armorial bookplate inside each front board of Geo. Burrish, also, large ink signature on fep each volume of William H. E. Worship; This set has its own walnut furniture for storage & use (20.5"x17"x21.5") consisting of a lecturn with two drawers, one for each volume; Unpaginated. Size: 10.25"x16".

Full Description: [JOHNSON, Samuel]. The Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language; Addressed to the Right and Honourable Philip Dormer, Earl of Chesterfield; One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. London: Printed for J. and P. Knapton, T. Longman and T. Shewell, C. Hitch, A. Millar, and R. Dodsley, 1747. First edition, second issue. With leaf A reset to exclude the Earl of Chesterfield's name on the first page of the dedication and leaf E in corrected state without the duplicate "the". Quarto (9 x 6 3/4 inches; 230 x 170 mm). [2], 34 pp. Bound by Riviere and Son in full mottled smooth calf. Boards double-ruled in blind. Red morocco spine label, lettered in gilt. All edges gilt. Blind dentelles. With stab-holes present along inner margin. A tiny hole repaired to blank lower magin of title-page. Title-page lightly toned, otherwise very clean inside. Previous owner's armorial bookplate on front pastedown. Overall a near fine copy. "The description that Johnson wrote for the booksellers and labelled 'A Short Scheme for compiling a new Dictionary of the English Language' became the first draft of The Plan of A Dictionary of the English Language, published in August 1747.The principal changes Johnson made in transforming the 'Scheme' into a published Plan appear to be intended to address aspects of a larger concern:the nature and imposition of the lexicographer's authority for linguistic decisions. The most obvious example of this preoccupation is the insertion of several direct differential references to Lord Chesterfield, to whom the Plan, unlike the 'Scheme,' is addressed. The Plan published in early August 1747, reveals several alterations and insertions made by Johnson which relate explicitly to Chesterfield and his apparent belief of desires for the language and an English dictionary." (The Making of Johnson's Dictionary 1746-1773, Allen Reddick, pg 17-19) "In 1746, a consortium of London publishers led by Robert Dodsley, recognizing a sizable market for a comprehensive dictionary of English, approached Johnson to undertake such a project. They knew it would be a lengthy and expensive endeavor, although they as yet had no idea just how lengthy and expensive it would be. They first asked Johnson to draw up a preliminary outline of the project. After Johnson made revisions to the first draft, a second draft was shown to Philip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), who offered a handful of suggested revisions as well. Widely regarded as an authority on linguistic matters, Chesterfield's endorsement was seen as key to the marketability of the dictionary, and indeed both the second draft and the published version are addressed to him directly." (Harvard; Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson). "The scheme of the Dictionary was first mentioned to Johnson by Robert Dodsley, on whose suggestion the Plan was addressed to Lord Chesterfield. It apparently passed through several hands before reaching Lord Chesterfield. Mr. Croker had seen the draft which contained the remarks of his lordship and of another person: 'Johnson adopted all these suggestions.' The price stipulated was £1,575, but Johnson received £100 and upwards more than his due. Johnson, in a conversation with Boswell (March 1772), mentioned that on the publication of the Plan 'Lord Chesterfield told me that the word great should be pronounced so as to rhyme to state; and Sir William Yonge sent me word that it should be pronounced so as to rhyme to seat, and that none but an Irishman would pronounce it grait.' (Boswell, ii. 161). The only person drawn by the Plan into helping Johnson was Zachary Pearce, afterwards Bishop of Rochester, who sent him twenty etymologies." (Courtney & Nichol Smith, p 20) Courtney & Nichol Smith, p 20. Rothschild 1229. ESTC T42414. HBS 68812. $8,000.