A dictionary of the English language: in which the words are deduced from their originals...

London: printed by John Jarvis, and sold by John Fielding, 1786. 2 volumes, 4to, portrait frontis after Bartolozzi, [74] plus unpaginated lexicon in triple column; [2] & unpaginated lexicon; bound without the half-title in vol. I, in full contemporary calf, rebacked (in the early 20th century?), red and black morocco labels on spines; some scuffing and wear, minor foxing, slight stain enters top margin for the first 30 leaves or so of vol. II; a good, sound copy, or better, of a scarce edition. Contains a Life of Johnson, the original preface, and the History of the English Language, with the grammar. Includes a 6-page Appendix of Words either totally Omitted from Johnson's Dictionary, or used in senses in which he gives no Instances of their Application. In this edition the title-pp. are Fleeman's variant C. "The variant title-pp. are variously attached to the volumes, and no pattern is yet established. There is no half-title in vol. 2. Jarvis's printing shop was damaged by fire, 7 June 1787 with some loss of stock ... Since the work was published in 48 weekly numbers at 1s. each, there was perhaps occasional demand for title-pp. which were supplied ad hoc" (Fleeman). Alston V, 187a-b (locating only 5 copies); not in Courtney & Smith; Fleeman 55.4D/10; Sledd & Kolb, p. 128. Item #29453

Price: $1,500.00

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