"A Dictionary of the English Language"

Paper Summary:

Samuel Johnson was a writer who completed the first real modern dictionary nearly single-handedly. This paper examines his text, "A Dictionary of the English Language" and shows how Johnson's eccentric character affected his writing.

From the Paper:

"He wrote the definitions of more than 40,000 words, but he also gave illustrations of how they were used in the language. This was an amazing feat at the time, and still is. He also used humor in his writing, which would not be acceptable in a reference book today. For example, he wrote several definitions in the dictionary that were funny and enjoyable, such as, "'Excise: a hateful tax levied upon commodities...'; 'Lexicographer: a writer of dictionaries, a harmless drudge...'; and 'Oats: a grain which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people'"..."

More papers on "A Dictionary of the English Language" :

• Book Review # 101124 : "Dictionary of the English Language"
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• Comparison Essay # 60627 : "English Structure vs. Russian Translation"

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