[Rarebooks] FS: First Abridged Octavo Edition of Samuel Johnson's Great Dictionary

[Charles Agvent]

 From our new catalog.  See all 50 items here: http://www.charlesagvent.com

JOHNSON, Samuel. A DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: IN WHICH THE 
WORDS ARE DEDUCED FROM THEIR ORIGINALS, EXPLAINED IN THEIR DIFFERENT 
MEANINGS, AND AUTHORIZED BY THE NAMES OF THE WRITERS IN WHOSE WORKS THEY 
ARE FOUND. ABRACTED FROM THE FOLIO EDITION..., TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A 
GRAMMAR OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. London: J. Knapton et. al, 1756. First 
Abridged Octavo Edition. Two octavo (5" x 8") volumes in later 3/4 calf 
leather and marbled boards with gilt-lettered crimson morocco spine 
labels. The variant with "by the author" on the title pages. This 
Abridged edition of Johnson's monumental work was published only one 
year after the First Edition and includes a new 2-page preface by 
Johnson explaining the purpose of the present volume. Rather uncommon, 
of some importance, and much more affordable than the 1755 folio 
edition. Early ink names of Francis Pike on the title pages with the 
name blotted out in the first volume. Light foxing, slightly heavier to 
the second volume. Near Fine in an attractive binding.

In the concluding paragraph of the preface, Johnson claims that "The 
words of this dictionary, as opposed to others, are more diligently 
collected, more accurately spelled, more faithfully explained, and more 
authentically ascertained. Of an abstract it is not necessary to say 
more; and I hope, it will not be found that truth requires me to say 
less." (#016935)        $1,500.00

http://home.ptd.net/~chagvent/016935.JPG

-- 
All books subject to prior sale. Cash with order; institutions may be 
billed. Postage additional: $10.00 for the first item; $5.00 for each 
thereafter. Overseas postage billed at approximate cost. Pennsylvania 
residents must add 6% sales tax. Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and 
Discover accepted. Books may be returned within 10 days of receipt for 
any reason provided they are in the same condition as sent and prior 
notice is given. Please insure returns for their full value. We carry a 
diverse stock with major specialties including Modern and 19th Century 
Literary First Editions, Signed Books, Presidential Autographs, 
Illustrated Books, and the world's largest inventory of Limited Editions 
Club books. *We have been in business since 1987 and are proud to be 
members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and 
the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).* Please feel 
free to contact us with any wants or offerings. Thank you.

CHARLES AGVENT

291 Linden Road

Mertztown, PA 19539-8750

610-682-4750

info at charlesagvent.com

Please visit our shop: http://www.charlesagvent.com