A dictionary of the English language. In which the words are deduced from their originals, and illustrated in their different significations by examples from the best writers. To which are prefixed, a history of the language and an English grammar

London: printed by W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton, 1755. Second edition, 2 volumes, folio, modern quarter brown calf over marbled boards, red and black morocco labels on gilt-decorated spines; a nice copy in a modern binding. From the library of the Johnsonian scholar, Gwin Kolb. The second edition is virtually identical to the first, except that the words "second edition" have been added to the title pages and the second volume is dated 1756. Published in 165 weekly numbers. "Demand fell off as the work proceeded, and Strahan reduced the number of copies accordingly from just under 2,300 copies of the early numbers, to 768 copies of volume two. This (truncated) figure is therefore the maximum number possible of complete copies, making this the smallest and scarcest of the folio editions ... There are some minor textual variants in this edition, which was entirely reset from the first; most obviously they occur in the abbreviation of the authorities cited" (Fleeman). Alston V, 178; Courtney & Nicol Smith, p. 54; Fleeman 55.4D/2; Sledd & Kolb, p. 111-114. Alston V, 178; Courtney & Nicol Smith, p. 54; see Grolier, English 100, 50; Printing and the Mind of Man, 201. (Inventory #: 69735)