Samuel Johnson / dictionary of the English language in which the words 1756

Description: First octavo editionA dictionary of the English language: in which the words are deduced from their originals ... abstracted from the folio edition ... to which is prefixed a grammar of the English language Author: Johnson, Samuel Title: A dictionary of the English language: in which the words are deduced from their originals ... abstracted from the folio edition ... to which is prefixed a grammar of the English language Publication: London: J. Knapton [et al.], 1756 Description: First octavo and first abridged edition, the title pages in this set exhibiting the variant with "by the author" (see Fleeman, p. 487, Notes); 2 volumes, unpaged; [*]2 a-c4 d3 B-3Y4 3Z2; [*] 4A2 4B-6Y4 6Z2; lexicon text in double column; slightly later full tree calf, smooth spines decorated and lettered in gilt, rebacked, old spines laid down with minor losses; all else very good and sound. Bookplate of James Mead. The book was published January 5, 1756. This copy with an early owner's shaky inscription in both volumes of "Wm. and Priscilla Crapp's / March 16th/56." "For this edition, Johnson added a new Preface and was probably responsible for most if not all of the alterations throughout ... Johnson's preface is interesting in its contrast to the Preface of the folio edition, particularly in its direct appeal to the common reader. Far from a rumination upon the transitoriness of language, the difficulties of the lexicographer, and the vanity of human wishes, the preface to the octavo edition is a marketing ploy, an attempt to assure those who had been frightened off by the folio volumes that this simplified version would fit their more basic needs ... The octavo abridgement sold very well, if not as well as the ever-persistent Bailey octavo. The 5,000 copies recorded as printed by Strahan in December 1755 were presumably sold off in the next four years, so that a new edition of the abridgement was published in 1760, again in a run of 5,000 copies" (Reddick, The Making of Johnson's Dictionary 1746-1773, pp. 86-87). Alston V, 192; Chapman & Hazen, p. 138; Courtney & Smith, p. 62; Fleeman 56.1DA/1. Seller ID: 62559 Subject: Dictionaries, Language Rulon-Miller Books buys and sells rare, fine and unusual books in many fields, with an emphasis on language, early and unusual printing, voyages and travel, archives, and appraisal services. Catalogs issued regularly. We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA). Guarantee All books are guaranteed genuine as described, and are returnable for any reason during the two weeks after receipt. Please notify us as soon as possible if an item is being returned, so that we might make it available to another customer. Shipping We are happy to ship to buyers outside of the United States. Please contact us for an exact shipping quote. All books shipped to US destinations are sent US Post Office Media Mail. We are happy to send via Priority Mail upon request for the cost of shipping. Priority delivery typically takes 3 to 5 days, but may be longer, especially during the holidays. Faster shipping is available, please contact us for a price quote. For international purchases please contact us directly. We will combine shipping on items purchased at the same time. Feedback We leave feedback for buyers once they have posted feedback for us. If you are unhappy with any aspect of a transaction with us, please contact us immediately. We work hard to keep buyers happy and to resolve the rare problem promptly.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.

Price: 3015 USD

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

End Time: 2025-01-18T04:10:13.000Z

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