The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol 18

Essential writings on the English languageits history, structure, and cultural importanceby one of its most adroit practitioners This volume of the Yale Edition of the Works of Samuel Johnson collects the writers most important statements on the English language. It includes fully annotated editions of Johnsons main writings on the history, structure, and cultural importance of English, as well as his reflections on lexicography. These texts represent Johnsons thinking as he undertook and completed the major work of his life, the colossal Dictionary of the English Language. By setting Johnsons writings on the English language in historical context, the editors provide the fullest possible account of their composition. Among the works presented in the volume are Johnsons Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language andthe Preface to the Dictionary,both of which are counted among his finest works of prose.