[PDF] Samuel Johnsons Dictionary eBook

Author : Henry Hitchings
Publisher : Macmillan + ORM
Page : 384 pages
File Size : 28,2 MB
Release : 2006-10-17
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 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.

Author : Samuel Johnson
Publisher : Courier Corporation
Page : 482 pages
File Size : 33,1 MB
Release : 2013-02-13
Category : Reference
ISBN : 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.

Author : John T. Lynch
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 268 pages
File Size : 43,95 MB
Release : 2005-04-14
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780521848442

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

Author : Jack Lynch
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 36,14 MB
Release : 2009-05-26
Category : Literary Criticism
ISBN : 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.

Author : Jack W. Lynch, II
Publisher : Walker
Page : 656 pages
File Size : 29,95 MB
Release : 2004-03-01
Category : Reference
ISBN : 9780802714213

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Two volumes thick and 2,300 pages long, Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary, published in 1755, marked a milestone in a language in desperate need of standards. No English dictionary before it had devoted so much space to everyday words, been so thorough in its definitions, or illustrated usage by quoting from Shakespeare and other great writers. Johnson’s Dictionary would define the language for the next 150 years, until the arrival of the Oxford English Dictionary. Johnson’s was the dictionary used by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, Wordsworth and Coleridge, the Brontës and the Brownings, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde. Modern dictionaries owe much to Johnson’s work. This new edition, created by Levenger Press, contains more than 3,100 selections from the original, including etymology, definitions, and illustrative passages in their original spelling. Bristling with quotations, the Dictionary offers memorable passages on subjects ranging from books and critics to dreams and ethics. It also features three new indexes created out of entries in this edition: words found in Shakespeare’s works, words from other great literary works, and piquant terms used in eighteenth-century discussions of such topics as law, medicine, and the sexes. Finally, Johnson’s “Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language,” seldom seen in print, which he wrote eight years before the Dictionary, is reproduced in its entirety. For those who appreciate literature, interpret the law, and love language, this a browser’s delight—an encyclopedia of the age and a dictionary for the ages.

Author : Samuel Johnson
Publisher : Prabhat Prakashan
Page : 60 pages
File Size : 41,12 MB
Release : 2023-10-01
Category : Self-Help
ISBN :

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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.