Defining the World

Defining the World

Author: Henry Hitchings

Publisher: Macmillan + ORM

Published: 2006-10-17

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1429928948

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By the early eighteenth century, France and Italy had impressive lexicons, but there was no authoritative dictionary of English. Sensing the deficit, and impelled by a mixture of national pride and commercial expedience, the prodigious polymath Samuel Johnson embraced the task, turning over the garret of his London home to the creation of his own giant dictionary. Johnson imagined that he could complete the job in three years. But the complexity of English meant that his estimate was wildly inadequate. Only after he had expended nearly a decade of his prime on the task did the dictionary finally appear - magisterial yet quirky, dogmatic but generous of spirit, and steeped in the richness of English literature. It would come to be seen as the most important British cultural monument of the eighteenth century, and its influence fanned out across Europe and throughout Britain's colonies - including, crucially, America. Brilliantly entertaining and enlightening, Defining the World is the story of Johnson's heroic endeavor, 250 years after the first publication of the Dictionary. In alphabetically sequenced chapters, Henry Hitchings describes Johnson's adventure - his ambition and vision, his moments of despair, the mistakes he made along the way, and his ultimate triumph.


Johnson's Dictionary

Johnson's Dictionary

Author: Samuel Johnson

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2013-02-13

Total Pages: 482

ISBN-13: 0486168131

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Written virtually single-handedly over a seven-year period by a revered dean of English letters, Johnson’s Dictionary first appeared in 1755. A remarkable monument to the vigor and variety of our language and to the genius of its author, it served as the standard dictionary for more than 150 years and formed the basis for all subsequent English dictionaries. This modern version reduces the original 2,300 pages of definitions and literary examples to a more manageable length, retaining the verbal pleasure and historical curiosity of the original. It features many entries that can no longer be found in most modern dictionaries, with intriguing definitions and examples of usage in the literature of Johnson’s time.


Anniversary Essays on Johnson's Dictionary

Anniversary Essays on Johnson's Dictionary

Author: John T. Lynch

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2005-04-14

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 9780521848442

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A collection of original essays celebrating the 250th anniversary of the publication of the Dictionary.


Samuel Johnson's Insults

Samuel Johnson's Insults

Author: Jack Lynch

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2009-05-26

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 0802719341

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Lackbrain, oysterwench, wantwit, clotpoll--Samuel Johnson's famous dictionary of 1755 contained some of the ripest insults in the English language. In Samuel Johnson's Insults, Jack Lynch has compiled more than 300 of the curmudgeonly lexicographer's mightiest barbs, along with definitions only the master himself could elucidate. Word lovers will delight in flexing their linguistic muscles with devilishly descriptive vituperations that pack a wicked punch. Many of these zingers have long lain dormant. Some have even come close to extinction. Now they're back in all their prickly glory, ready to be relished once more.


Dictionary of The English Language

Dictionary of The English Language

Author: Samuel Johnson

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2023-10-01

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13:

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Dive into the rich tapestry of the English language with "A Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson, a timeless masterpiece that serves as a cornerstone of linguistic scholarship and literary history. Prepare to embark on a journey through the labyrinthine depths of vocabulary and meaning as Johnson meticulously catalogs and defines the words that shape our language and our world. Follow along as he explores the etymology, pronunciation, and usage of thousands of words, offering readers a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the English lexicon. Delve into the themes of language, culture, and human expression as Johnson's dictionary becomes a window into the soul of the English-speaking world. Through his meticulous research and keen insight, he sheds light on the nuances and complexities of language, inviting readers to ponder the power and beauty of words. Character analysis offers insight into the mind of the lexicographer, Samuel Johnson himself, whose tireless dedication to his craft and passion for language shine through in every entry. Each definition is a testament to Johnson's brilliance and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest linguistic scholars of all time. The overall tone of "A Dictionary of the English Language" is one of intellectual rigor and literary elegance, as Johnson's prose sparkles with wit, wisdom, and erudition. With its blend of scholarship, insight, and linguistic mastery, this dictionary stands as a monument to the power of words to illuminate and inspire. Critically acclaimed for its comprehensive scope and meticulous attention to detail, "A Dictionary of the English Language" has earned praise from scholars and readers alike for its enduring relevance and invaluable contributions to the study of language. Johnson's dictionary remains an indispensable resource for writers, scholars, and language enthusiasts around the world. Targeted towards readers with a love for language and a thirst for knowledge, "A Dictionary of the English Language" appeals to a diverse audience seeking a deeper understanding of the words that shape our world. Whether you're a student, a writer, or simply a lover of words, this dictionary offers a treasure trove of linguistic riches waiting to be discovered. As you immerse yourself in the pages of "A Dictionary of the English Language," prepare to be captivated by the beauty and power of language as seen through the eyes of one of history's greatest lexicographers. Let Johnson's dictionary be your guide to the wondrous world of words, where meaning and magic collide in a symphony of linguistic delight. Don't miss your chance to explore the wonders of the English language with "A Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson. Whether you're a wordsmith or a language enthusiast, this timeless masterpiece promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the language we all share.


Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language

Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language

Author: Samuel Johnson

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2015-04-27

Total Pages: 28

ISBN-13: 9781511931311

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"Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language" from Samuel Johnson. English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer (1709-1784).