Glossographia Anglicana nova: or, A dictionary interpreting such hard words of whatever language, as are at present used in the English tongue, with their etymologies, definitions, &c.

London: printed for D. Brown, T. Goodwin [et al.], 1719. Second edition, with the addition of above three thousand words not in the former, 8vo, pp. [6] & unpaginated lexicon in double column; woodcut head- and tail-pieces, initials, and heraldic illustrations in text; a nice copy in slightly later full panelled calf, rebacked, gilt spine in 6 compartments, raised bands, lacking spine label; extremities rubbed and worn, slightly later (1782) ownership signature "Wm. Harris" on title page; textblock good and sound. In spite of the claim, Starnes & Noyes note that this edition contains "no important change… We should estimate that only about one thousand words and miscellaneous items have been added." This is the first English dictionary to make any considerable use of woodcuts; the next development in this respect does not appear until 1727, when Bailey in his Universal Etymological English Dictionary, Volume II, illustrates scientific as well as heraldic terms" (Starnes & Noyes, p. 94). Often passed off as a later edition of Blount because of its similar title and design, this dictionary, while owing a debt to Blount, is in fact a new work by an anonymous author who placed an emphasis on science, which Starnes & Noyes call "the most formative and forward-looking feature" of it. Alston V, 90; ESTC T97585; Vancil, p. 99. Item #43079

Price: $750.00