A Dictionary of the English Language...

£1,750 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

The first edition of the important abridgement made to the great dictionary by Johnson himself at the request of booksellers. The abridged edition, although much truncated in content, remains important as the means by which most readers became familiar with Johnson's work. With excellent provenance for the Poet Laureate John Masefield (1868-1967). The dictionary was bequeathed by Robert Mason (d.1841) to Queen's College, Oxford First abridged edition; 2 vols; 8vo (21.5 x 13.5 cm); bookplates to front pastedowns, booklabel to front pastedown of vol. I, ex libris stamp to title verso, offsetting to margins of title and prelims otherwise internally clean; modern period-style half calf, marbled boards, contrasting red morocco lettering-pieces to spines, very good.

• Binding: Hardcover

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