Etymons of English words.
Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd and Longman, Rees, [et al.], 1826. First edition, 4to, pp. [4], 27, [1] plus unpaginated lexicon in double column; slightly later green cloth, gilt lettering on spine; some foxing but still a nice copy. In another copy of the book we sold some time ago was the inscription in an unidentified hand: "These etymons were not publd.-- only printed for the family." Kennedy 8392, citing one other work by the same author, Observations Introductory to a Work on English Etymology" London, 1818. Thomson's Etymons sets out "to trace the descent of English words; their affinity with the different dialects of Gothic spoken in Europe; and the connexion between our own and some other tongues both of Europe and Asia" (from the Preface). NUC lists an 1819 edition of the same title, but with only 24 pages and with words beginning at the letter "M." Of the 1826 edition, OCLC locates 11 copies, casting doubt on the earnestness of the inscription. Vancil, p. 235. Item #19423
Price: $400.00
