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. To which are prefixed, A History of the Language, and An English Grammar by JOHNSON, Samuel - 1773

London: Strahan, 1773. hardcover. very good. 2 volumes. Large thick folios. Attractively rebound in full brown cloth with gilt-lettered burgundy and back leather spine labels (rubbed). Title pages printed in red & black. Small corner of margin on volume one title page chipped. Unpaginated. Preface & History, followed by the main text in double columns (scattered foxing). London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. & F. Rivington, T. Davies, J. Hinton, L. Davis, et al., 1773. Fourth edition, revised by the author. Very good. A very sound, useable and attractive copy of the rare fourth edition. Second in interest only to the first printing, this edition is considered to be the most valuable textually, as it contains Johnson's final extensive revisions. As proclaimed in the preface, "Many faults I have corrected, some superfluities I have taken away, and some deficiencies I have supplied." PMM, 201: "Johnson introduced into English lexicography principles which had already been accepted in Europe but were quite novel in mid-eighteenth century England. He codified the spelling of English words; he gave full and lucid definitions of their meanings... and he adduced extensive and apt illustrations from a wide range of authoritative writers." Chapman & Hazen, 138.