Making of Johnson's Dictionary, 1746-1773, Rev. ed.

Contents: Introduction: Johnson's 'Mind ... on the stretch' : A Dictionary of the English Language 'The plan of my undertaking': the composition and purpose of the Plan of a Dictionary 'I can do it in three years': a false start on the Dictionary 'Ended, though not completed': the first edition published 'I know not how to get loose': the fourth edition 'Unexpected truth': the use of poetical authorities 'Factious in a factious age': theology and politics in the fourth edition 'The world must, at present, take it as it is': Johnson's Dictionary after 1773.