Author: Captain Francis Grose
Title: Lexicon Balatronicum: A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence
Description: London, C. Chappel; J. Johnston , 1811 . First edition. Leather. A wonderful example of the first retitled edition of Grose's colourful dictionary of slang and vulgar language, in a full morocco binding from Maltby's of Oxford. A first edition thus, being the retitled and expanded edition of Francis Grose's 'A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue', which was published under that title in 1785. The 'Lexicon Balatronicum' expanded on Grose"s work with additional entries and was intended to preserve the language of the streets, taverns, gambling dens, and brothels of Georgian England.Among the terms present are 'abbess', being the mistress of a brothel, and 'waterpad', meaning one that robs ships in the river Thames. Retaining the original half title.In a full morocco signed binding by Maltby's of Oxford, with endpapers renewed. Housed in a cloth slip case.More than just a dictionary, this work serves as a social document, capturing the raucous side of English life that rarely appeared in contemporary former texts. In a full morocco signed binding, with gilt detailing to back strip, and with endpapers renewed. Externally, fine. Cloth slip case in fine condition. Internally, firmly bound. Pages lightly age toned, with the exception of eight leaves following the title page which are significantly age toned, and with the odd spot. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine .

Keywords: Lexicon balatronicum A classical dictionary of the vulgar tongue language lexicon A classical dictionary of the vulgar tongue None


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