While his *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755) was a landmark work, it was far from the first. Dictionaries have been around for centuries, with some notable examples including:
* Ancient times: The earliest known dictionaries were lexicons used for translations and understanding ancient languages, such as the Sumerian cuneiform tablets from the 3rd millennium BC and the Chinese dictionary *Erya* from the 3rd century BC.
* Medieval and Renaissance: Dictionaries started to appear in Europe in the 15th century, with notable examples like *Dictionarium Latinum* (1499) and *Thesaurus Linguae Latinae* (1532).
* Early Modern English: English dictionaries started appearing in the 16th and 17th centuries, but these were often small and focused on specific topics.
Johnson's dictionary was groundbreaking for several reasons:
* Scope: It was far more comprehensive than any previous English dictionary, covering a vast vocabulary and providing detailed definitions.
* Methodological approach: Johnson used a rigorous system of citations and examples to illustrate word usage, setting a standard for lexicography.
* Literary style: His definitions were often witty and insightful, making the dictionary a delight to read.
While Johnson's dictionary was not the first, it significantly advanced the field of lexicography and became a defining work of English literature.