Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson
QR code
"Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson is a foundational piece in the lexicographical field, written during the 18th century. This work serves as an introduction to Johnson's ambitious project of creating a comprehensive dictionary, devoted to the exploration and organization of the English language. The preface outlines the challenges and philosophical considerations of defining a language that is both rich and changing over time. In this preface,
Johnson reflects on the lexicographer's plight, detailing the arduous task of cataloging words in a language as vibrant and chaotic as English. He discusses the historical roots and evolving nature of words, the complexities of orthography and pronunciation, and the interplay between various linguistic influences, notably Latin and Teutonic languages. Throughout, he emphasizes the necessity of maintaining stability in language while recognizing that change is inherent to living tongues. Johnson articulates his vision for the dictionary as a cumulative effort that balances reverence for tradition with the realities of linguistic evolution, ultimately aiming to create a resource that would meet the communicative needs of English speakers and scholars. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Upload it on the Amazon site your Kindle is registered with: amazon.com/sendtokindle for the US, amazon.co.uk/sendtokindle for the UK etc.
- It appears on your Kindle and in the Kindle app
Kobo, Nook etc. → Transfer via USB
- Download the EPUB3 file on your computer
- Connect your e-reader by USB and tap "Connect" on its screen
- Drag the file onto the e-reader drive
Phone, Tablet or Computer → Online or Reading App
Easiest: read online in your browser. Nothing to install.
Or use a reading app:
- Find and install one you like, for example Apple Books, ReadEra or Thorium Reader
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Open it in the app
More help: iPhone / iPad · Android · Computer
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Author | Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784 |
|---|---|
| Title | Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language |
| Credits | Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 35.4 (College-level). Difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PE: Language and Literatures: English |
| Subject | English language -- Dictionaries |
| Subject | Lexicology |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 5430 |
| ISBN (HTML) | 979-8-238-05430-8 |
| Release Date | Apr 1, 2004 |
| Last Update | Dec 28, 2020 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 1042 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!