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 English Grammar by Samuel Johnson. In Two Volumes. London: John Jarvis, 1786.
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A fantastic early edition of Dr. Johnson's magnum opus, his important Dictionary of the English Language, here presented in rebacked contemporary bindings, printed in 1786.
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Size: 226 x 275 mm (approx., each)
Condition:
[a4-b4, A1-D4, B1-6E4], [(2), t.p., A2-6H4]
Contemporary, probably original, full calf bindings, naively rebacked, uniformly, presenting thus on the shelf. All boards are subsequently securely attached, with the bindings secure, without shelf lean. Boards rubbed with losses at edges & corners as typical. Two ink ownership inscriptions to ffep verso, one dated 1786 from the original owner and another from 1809, likely by direct descent. The first volume lacks the first three preliminary leaves including blanks and title page, but the main text collates as complete, the second volume collates as complete though lacks the rear blank(s). Mildly toned throughout the text blocks as typical, some minor foxing in places, first leaf in volume one partially detached but present, a little ragged at edges.
