A Preface To A Dictionary Of The English Language

By Samuel Johnson

Book Overview

A Preface To A Dictionary Of The English Language is a book written by Samuel Johnson, a renowned British author, lexicographer, and literary critic. The book is essentially an introduction to Johnson's famous dictionary, which he spent almost a decade compiling and publishing in 1755.In this preface, Johnson explains his motivations for creating the dictionary, which he felt was necessary to standardize the English language and promote its use in literature and academia. He also discusses the challenges he faced in compiling the dictionary, including the vast scope of the language and the difficulty in defining certain words.Throughout the book, Johnson provides insights into his approach to lexicography, including his use of literary quotations to illustrate word usage and his emphasis on etymology and historical usage. He also reflects on the role of language in society and the importance of preserving and promoting the English language.Overall, A Preface To A Dictionary Of The English Language is a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest lexicographers in history and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the development and evolution of the English language.Among these unhappy mortals is the writer of dictionaries; whom mankind have considered, not as the pupil, but the slave of science, the pionier of literature, doomed only to remove rubbish and clear obstructions from the paths through which Learning and Genius press forward to conquest and glory, without bestowing a smile on the humble drudge that facilitates their progress. Every other authour may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach, and even this negative recompense has been yet granted to very few.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1162680695
• ISBN13: 9781162680699
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 28 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.5" x 9.3"