Review:
Dictionary Of The English Language By Samuel Johnson
overall review score: 4.8
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
score is between 0 and 5
Samuel Johnson's 'Dictionary of the English Language,' published in 1755, is one of the most influential and comprehensive early English dictionaries. It aimed to standardize spelling, pronunciation, and usage, providing detailed definitions and annotations. Considered a monumental achievement in lexicography, it significantly shaped the development of English dictionaries and linguistic understanding.
Key Features
- Comprehensive collection of around 40,000 words with detailed definitions
- Historical and literary quotations illustrating word usage
- Standardization of spelling and pronunciation conventions
- Occasional etymologies and usage notes
- Structured alphabetically for easy reference
Pros
- Highly influential and historically significant work
- Lexicographical completeness for its time
- Rich illustrative quotations enhance understanding
- Contributes to standardization of English language
Cons
- Outdated by modern linguistic standards
- Physically bulky and expensive to access in original form
- Definitions can be verbose or archaic
- Limited digital accessibility compared to modern dictionaries