first edition
1743 · Oxonii
by Junius, Francis
Oxonii: E Theatro Sheldoniano, 1743. First edition, folio, pp. [40], [624]; collating A1-E2, a1-e2, A1-5S2, engraved portrait frontispiece by G. Vertu, 8-page subscriber list containing many important names of the day; full contemporary calf; gilt spine with red morocco label; boards rubbed, hinges cracked, else good and sound; internally very clean. Junius was an early proponent for the study of Anglo-Saxon, and a life-long student of the Teutonic and northern languages. His collection of northern types, which included Gothic, Runic, and Anglo-Saxon, he bequeathed to Oxford University. These types were used in the printing of this book, which was edited by Edward Lye from the unpublished manuscript. It is the first systematic etymology of the English language. Alston V, 354; Zaunmuller, p. 115; Graesse III, p. 499.
(Inventory #: 48651)