Author: WALKER (John):
Title: A Dictionary of the English Language, Answering at once the Purposes of Rhyming, Spelling, and Pronouncing. On a Plan not hitherto attempted. In which, I. The whole Language is arranged according to its Terminations. II. Every Word is explained and divided into Syllables exactly as pronounced. III. Multiples of Words liable to a Double Pronunciation are fixed in their True Sound, by a Rhyme. IV. Several Words of established Usage, not to be found in our best Dictionaries, are inserted, and the most difficult Words rendered easy by being classed according to their endings. To which is prefixed A copious Introduction to the Various Uses of the work, with critical ahnd practical Observations on Orthography, Syllabication, Pronunciation, and Rhyme; And for the Purposes of Poetry is added an Index of Allowable Rhymes. With Authorities for their Usage from our best Authors. By J. Walker, Author of the General Idea of a Pronouncing Dictionary.
Description: London, Printed for T. Becket, Corner of the Adelphi, Stand, 1775 FIRST EDITION. 8vo, 174 x 111, pp. xxiii [xxiiii] 698], contemporary calf, gilt rules on spine with gilt oval ownership in top pane (rubbed and unreadable), red leather label; front joint slightly cracked but agood copy with the inscription "Grace Blackmore 1779" on the title-page and the arnorial bookplate of "Alex[ander]. Stewart" on the front paste-down end-paper. John Walker was born at Friern Barnet, in the county of Middlesex, on 18 March 1732. Brought up by his mother, he was 'instructed in trade', but when she died, John being still young, he went on the stage, at first with provincial companies, but later at Drury Lane, where he worked under Garrick. This familiarity with actors and the world of the stage is very apparent in his dictionaries, with both the General Idea of a Pronouncing Dictionary and the Rhyming Dictionary being dedicated to Garrick, and references to him and stage pronunciation being quite frequent in the notes to the Pronouncing Dictionary. Alston VI, 570; Vancil, p. 248. The armorial bookplate and the gilt oval armorial stamp indicate the distinguished provenance of Alexander John Robert Stewart (1827-1904). Educated at Trinity College in the University of Cambridge, Stewart was later High Sheriff of County Donegal in Ireland from 1853, and subsequently High Sheriff of County Down from 1861. The earlier ownership inscription is probably in the hand of Grace Blackwood (d. 1824) of County Down. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Blackwood, 1st Baronet Blackwood (1694-1774), of Ballyleidy in County Down. Alston VI, 570; Vancil, p. 248.

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