Dictionary - Classic Text | Alexandria
Dictionary by Samuel Johnson: A monumental, yet deeply personal, lexicographical endeavor that transcended its utilitarian purpose to become a mirror reflecting the 18th century’s intellectual landscape and the formidable character of its creator. More than a mere compendium of words, it challenges the very notion of definitive authority in language, hinting at the subjective essence embedded within apparent objectivity.
The seeds of this ambitious project were sown in 1746 when a group of London booksellers commissioned Samuel Johnson to compile a comprehensive English dictionary. While earlier dictionaries existed, they lacked the depth, critical analysis, and illustrative quotations that Johnson envisioned. His "Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language," published in 1747, laid out his vision, promising to "fix" the language amidst its perceived state of flux. This ambition arrived amidst a period rife with debates about linguistic standards and anxieties about cultural refinement, as England sought to assert its identity on the world stage.
Published in 1755, after eight years of solitary labor (aided by a team of amanuenses), Dictionary was immediately hailed as a masterpiece. Its innovative use of literary citations to illustrate word usage, coupled with Johnson’s often witty and opinionated definitions, distinguished it from its predecessors. Consider his definition of "oats:" "A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people." This personal stamp, while controversial, cemented its enduring appeal. Subsequent editions, revisions, and abridgements extended its influence, shaping English lexicography for over a century and influencing the standardization of the English language. Intriguingly, while Johnson sought to "fix" the language, his work paradoxically revealed its inherent dynamism.
Johnson's Dictionary remains a testament to individual genius and a window into a pivotal era in English history. It is a subject of continued scholarly examination, inspiring new perspectives on language, culture, and the complex relationship between author and authority. Is any dictionary truly objective, or does the hand of its creator inevitably shape our understanding of the world?