The First Edition of Johnson's Dictionary in Contemporary Calf
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.
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, 1755.
Price: $20,000.00
About the item
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. 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. 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.
Item #247043
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.
