A Dictionary of the English Language: An Anthology
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Surprising, colorful, and long-forgotten entries from the most famous dictionary in the history of the English language
Samuel Johnson’s best-known work, A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), is the most influential and idiosyncratic lexicon ever written and was used by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, the Brontës and the Brownings, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde. This anthology includes 4,000 of the most representative, entertaining, and historically fascinating entries, covering subjects from fashion to food, science to sex, and given in full with original spelling and examples of usage from Shakespeare to Milton.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Publisher : Penguin Classics; Reprint edition (October 30, 2007)
Language : English
Paperback : 704 pages
ISBN-10 : 0141441577
ISBN-13 : 978-0141441573
Item Weight : 1.06 pounds
Dimensions : 5.12 x 1.21 x 7.79 inches
Ravindra M.R.S.Naidu –
Thoughts into Words
If the English language were to be understood from the very coinage of words and those words reflect as meanings to our thoughts….it would be easier to grab a dictionary, but this book will give anyone the insights of words and its usage over periods of time, though mention must be made here that many words still retain their reverberating meanings…..an excellent read.
Christine D. Todd –
Great book for my collection
Loved “Dictionary Johneson’s” dictionary. If you are a fan of his, you will love it too.
John –
Five Stars
This dictionary truly can be read as a book! Some of the definitions are really interesting.
James Richardson Sprouse –
ON JOHNSON’S DICTIONARY
The classic on English word meaning in the Eighteenth Century, Johnson’s Dictionary also presents cultural ironies and satire.
Roboberto –
An anthology, that is, a selection, published in 2005
Amateurs beware: please note that it is clearly announced in the title that this is an anthology, that is, a selection, of Johnson’s work. Look elsewhere for the complete work, with entries, for example, for words like “index”and perhaps even “alphabet,” “fear,” “god,” etc. There are so many words missing from this selection that it is impossible to know if they are Johnson’s omissions or Crystal’s. This selection, published in 2005, is nonetheless interesting for what it does contain, though it’s difficult to gain an impression of either Crystal’s sensibility or a Johnson’s true perspective.
Amazon Customer –
Five Stars
interesting history of the English language
Brian David Goldberg, PhD, PsyD –
Founding Fathers
Exactly what I hoped it would be
Patricia A. Sowers –
Dictionary of Language
This book was a bit of a disappointment so I am rather glad I ordered Johnson’s book as well. I needed it for some more research on languaging.
Ian Chadwick –
A selection from the Johnson Dictionary, 4th edition. Fewer definitions than in the Lynch edition, but still a good addition to the library. It’s always fun to read Johnson’s dictionary.
書斎 –
目次を紹介すると、Introduction, Samuel Johnson, James Boswell’s account of the Dictionary project, The Plan of A Dictionary of the English Language, The Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson’s Dictionary: An Anthologyとなっていて、ジョンソン辞書（１７７５）の概要を知るための資料はすべてそろっている。計画書（The Plan）と辞書の序文と辞書本体でジョンソンの記述態度が微妙に揺れているのは多くの研究者の知るところであるが、クリスタルは本書の序文で「ジョンソンは「すべての変化はそれ自体悪である」と計画書で述べたが、辞書が完成するまでに、彼はこの見方を変えていて、変化の不可避性を認め、それを記述することに努めた。しかし（変化は不可避という）新しい見方は辞書全体を通してみるとむらがある」と的確な指摘をしている。ボズウェルの伝記は通読するのは大変であるが、辞書に関連する個所を抜き出してくれていて便利である。本書に収録されている辞書本体はアンソロジー版であるが、ジョンソンの辞書の特徴を伝える見出し項目と用例はもれなく収録されている。ジョンソンとその辞書に関する文献は山のようにあって選択に困るが、本書はその構成・価格・体裁から言っても格好の入門書である。
Christopher Gollan –
This is the only dictionary one can read simply for the pleasure.
J. Stratford –
Absolutely priceless and a must have on any bookshelf. Interesting how many of the definitions seem relatively modern but other words fascinating as they have fallen out of everyday usage and reflect a period long ago when the English language was in substantial transition. Hours of wonderful entertainment & erudition at a very modest price.
John Fordham –
Excellent book delivered promptly and in very good condition. Thank you.