Preface To A Dictionary Of The English Language
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Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language
In the "Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language," Samuel Johnson offers a masterful exploration of the complexities and idiosyncrasies of the English language, framed within the context of his monumental 1755 dictionary. Johnson's prose is notable for its clarity and eloquence, combining both intellectual rigor and literary finesse. The preface serves as a reflection on the nature of language, the challenges of defining words, and the principles guiding lexical compilation during the 18th century. It stands not only as a critical commentary on linguistics but also as a historical document that reveals the societal and cultural influences poised upon English at that time. Samuel Johnson, an eminent literary figure of the 18th century, was deeply immersed in the intellectual currents of his era. His experiences as a writer, critic, and lexicographer led him to confront the prevailing inadequacies of English dictionaries. Johnson's profound understanding of literature and philosophy influenced his commitment to capturing the richness of the language while striving for both accuracy and accessibility, which resonates throughout his preface. This preface is a must-read for linguists, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolution of the English language. Johnson's insights into the intricacies of language, paired with his wit and wisdom, make this text a critical resource for understanding not just language, but the very act of communication itself.
Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language
Samuel Johnson was a well-known literary figure in England. Johnson was an author, lexicographer, biographer and critic. Johnson has been quoted more often than any other English author with the exception of Shakespeare. Much of Johnson's fame is attributed to the biography done by Boswell. The biography centers on the latter part of Johnson's life, thus Johnson has been seen more as a gruff society figure than as the struggling and poverty-stricken writer he was for much of his life. Samuel Johnson's most famous work was a Dictionary of the English Language. In this preface Johnson eloquently expressed his passion for his work when he wrote the following.
Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language
Among these unhappy mortals is the writer of dictionaries; whom mankind have considered, not as the pupil, but the slave of science, the pionier of literature, doomed only to remove rubbish and clear obstructions from the paths through which Learning and Genius press forward to conquest and glory, without bestowing a smile on the humble drudge that facilitates their progress. Every other authour may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach, and even this negative recompense has been yet granted to very few.