first edition
1783 · London
by Lemon, George William
London: printed for G. Robinson, 1783. First and only edition, 4to, pp. [8], xlii, [2], unpaginated lexicon in double column, [30]; with a 6-p. list of subscribers and a full-p. specimen of 5 different alphabets; contains a table of chronological events and an extensive word index; recent calf-backed marbled boards, maroon morocco label on spine; nice copy. Ignoring Johnson, Lemon cites as his authorities Vossius, Spelman, Somner, Minsheu, Junius, Skinner, Verstegan, Ray, Nugent, Cleland and other etymologists. A handsome book, "well thought of in its day, though only curious and useless now ... [by] a man of great industry and much learning. The writer's view was that most English words were derived from the 'Greek as the radix,' notwithstanding the dialects which they may have passed through" (DNB). Alston V, 355; Kennedy 6230; Vancil, p. 146.
(Inventory #: 64355)