Description: Very rare second edition of Samuel Johnson's seminal 1755 dictionary in two volumes. Large pair of leather-bound volumes house Johnson's unprecedented lexicographic achievement that catapulted him to fame as one of the most accomplished scholars in history. Titled in full, "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", dictionary was printed by W. Strahan, for J. and P. Knapton: London: 1755. This work, which took Johnson eight years to craft, has been hailed by scholars as a crucial achievement in the literary world, and by extension, to English culture itself. Johnson and half a dozen assistants here catalogued over forty thousand words and provided examples of usage with more than one hundred thousand excerpts from existing literature. Johnson's dictionary reigned as the foremost reference through the end of the nineteenth century and Johnson became the subject of classic biography "Life of Samuel Johnson" by James Boswell. Each volume is bound in original leather boards with gilt trim and ribbed spine, measuring 11" x 16.5". Prior owner's bookplate is affixed to both front pastedowns and first few leaves show scattered pencil notations. Integral blanks at front and rear are detached as is a "Q" page in the second volume. Abrasions to boards and edges, and separation of boards at hinges though still attached, all typical of age. Overall a nicely preserved set of one of the greatest achievements in academia. We accept PayPal and Credit cards via Paypal. Please provide a daytime phone number to be used in case of any shipping difficulties. Customers are advised that they are responsible for payment of any international duties and/or taxes. California residents will be charged 9.5% for sales tax. Also, please note that shipping includes signature confirmation upon delivery, but not insurance. If you request insurance, let us know and we'll send a revised invoice. Thank you!
Price: 13000 USD
Location: Los Angeles, California
End Time: 2025-01-19T00:32:42.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
