15 April 1755: Samuel Johnson publishes his Dictionary of the English Language

Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language is one of the most significant and influential dictionaries in the English language. It was first published in two volumes on 15 April 1755 after almost a decade of work by Johnson.

Compiled with the help of six assistants who collected words from a wide variety of sources, including works of literature, Shakespeare’s plays, religious texts, scientific treatises, and even the labels on medicine bottles, it was the first dictionary to include illustrative quotations from English literature to show how words were used in context. The dictionary also included detailed etymologies of many words and aimed to provide a comprehensive definition of every word in the English language. It was intended to be a standard reference work for scholars, writers, and the educated public.

The dictionary contains around 42,000 entries, each with a definition, pronunciation, part of speech, and illustrative quotation. The definitions are often humorous, erudite, and sometimes idiosyncratic, reflecting Johnson’s own personality and style.

Despite being criticised for inaccuracies, especially on questions of etymology, Johnson’s Dictionary was an immediate success and was widely praised for its scope and literary style. It became the standard reference work for the English language for many years, and its influence can still be seen today in many aspects of English usage and lexicography. Many people particularly admired the fact that Johnson had completed the work essentially single-handed.

Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language is a monumental work of scholarship and a testament to the power and flexibility of the English language. It remains a landmark achievement in the history of lexicography and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the English language and its development over time.