DR. JOHNSON`S DICTIONARY

Dr. Samuel Johnson created the first comprehensive English dictionary almost single-handedly, and this book traces the story of it`s creation. Hitchings wrote his doctoral thesis on the same subject, and this book seems to be an expansion of his original work. The author is obviously well-researched on his subject, and this book is entertaining and informative, though sometimes slow and dry. The frame of the book is Johnson`s life and the chapters are charmingly titled by a word and definition from the dictionary that is relevant to the chapter`s subject matter, but the true meat and real delight of this book are the choice words and definitions Hitchings gleans from the original work and the anecdotes of Johnson`s life that give glimpses into his mind.

The writing of the dictionary was truly an achievement, and Hitchings traces Johnson`s ingenuity, labors, and ultimate impact with great care. In every paragraph it is obvious that Hitchings is an expert in his material and he treats the subject matter with respect. In addition to the many historical facts he presents regarding Johnson`s life and career, Hitchings seems to take delight in sharing as many definitions as he can squeeze in, especially the odd ones, and draws many conclusions about Johnson himself from how they were written. In fact, I had the impression while reading it that it was the peculiarities of the Dictionary that got Hitchings interested to begin with. The fact that he is obviously an expert in his subject and presents his proof, from the dictionary, other contemporary sources, and Johnson`s extensive writing, with every deduction makes this story both believable and interesting.