first edition
1780 · London
by Shaw, William, Rev
London: for the author by W. and A. Strahan, 1780. First edition, 2 volumes in 1, 4to, pp. [8], [372]; [2], [306], [4] list of subscribers, which includes James Boswell and Samuel Johnson; text in double column; upper joint cracked otherwise a near fine copy in contemporary full tree calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, red morocco label; fine. From the library of the celebrated engineer, James Watt, without any sign of ownership, but so recorded in a 19th-century inventory. In all, 209 subscribers took 216 copies from the total print run of 500; other subscribers include Edmund Burke and Joseph Banks. Shaw was a good friend of Johnson who, it is said, offered his assistance with this dictionary. Alston XIV, 70.
(Inventory #: 50043)