Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction: Johnson's 'Mind … on the stretch': A Dictionary of the English Language; 2. 'The plan of my undertaking': the composition and purpose of the Plan of a Dictionary; 3. 'I can do it in three years': a false start on the Dictionary; 4. 'Ended, though not completed': the first edition published; 5. 'I know not how to get loose': the fourth edition; 6. 'Unexpected truth': the use of poetical authorities; 7. 'Factious in a factious age': theology and politics in the fourth edition; 8. 'The world must, at present, take it as it is': Johnson's Dictionary after 1773; Appendices; Notes; Revised and expanded index.

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This second edition of the acclaimed study of Johnson's Dictionary incorporates new commentary and scholarship.

Reviews

'... a major contribution to Johnsonian studies sure to endure the test of time ... a methodological model that will doubtless influence future scholarship well beyond eighteenth-century or lexicographical studies ... surely a landmark study.' British Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies 'After Reddick, there can be no return to any unexamined sense of the Dictionary's wholeness. At the same time, he makes Johnson's achievement appear, if anything, greater, a more deeply human monument built out of shreds and patches.' Times Literary Supplement '... a fascinating and wonderful piece of scholarly detective work ... The chapter that Reddick bases solely on his new discoveries ... is as good a single chapter as anyone has written in any book on Johnson of the last thirty years.' The Age of Johnson 'An important, exact, and fascinating book.' Bibliographical Society of America '... a landmark study.' Eighteenth-Century Studies '... a fascinating and wonderful piece of scholarly detective work.' The Age of Johnson