Johnson, Samuel.

A Dictionary of the English Language: In which the words are deduced from their Originals, Explained in their Different Meanings, and Authorized by the names of the writers in whose Works they are found. Abstracted from the Folio Edition, by the Author Samuel Johnson A.M. To which is prefixed, An English Grammar. To this edition are added, A History of the English Language, The Author’s Preface to the Folio and a considerable Number of Words, none of which are contained in the London Octavo.

Dublin, Printed by W.G.Jones, for Thomas Ewing, in Dame-Street, 1768. Octavo (14 cm x 21,5 cm). 1026 unnumbered pages. Hardcover / Original, 18th century leather with new spine-label. In protective Mylar. Binding with some rubbing and minor defects to the leather. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. From the library of John & Richard Meade (Ballymartle), with the name of John Meade on the titlepage.

This fascinating Dublin – Edition of Samuel Johnson’s famous Dictionary includes a wonderful summary of the “History of the English Language”. In a lengthy chapter, prior to the Dictionary itself, Johnson explains “The whole Fabrick [sic] and scheme of the English language in Gothick or Teutonick : it is a dialect of that tongue, which prevails over all the northern countries of Europe, except those where the Sclavonian is spoken. Of these languages Dr.Hicks this exhibited the genealogy. Gothick (leading to Anglo-Saxon (which includes Dutch, Frisick, English) – Francick (which includes German) – Cimbrick (which includes Islandick, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish).
Samue Johnsonson then continues and offers “Alfred’s paraphrase or imitation of Boethius and his short preface, which I have selected as the first specimen of ancient English” (Johnson offers the Boethius – text in original ancient English and must have had a special Font cut for it).

• Keywords: 18th / 19th Century Country House Library of Richard Meade – Ballymartle · Catalogue No.10 – International Literature · Dictionaries · Dictionary · English Literature – Rare · English Literature of the 18th Century · Johnson, Samuel · Linguistics · Linguistics – Rare · Meade Library Ballymartle · New Arrivals · Richard Meade Library (Ballymartle)
• Language: English
• Inventory Number: 31224AB

EUR 750,--