LOCKE, John (1632-1704) -- MINSHEU, John (1559/60-1627). Hegemon eis tas glossas [graecè]. Id est, Ductor in linguas, the Guide into Tongues ... London: [W. Stansby and M. Bradwood] at the charges of J. Minsheu, 1617.

LOCKE, John (1632-1704) -- MINSHEU, John (1559/60-1627). Hegemon eis tas glossas [graecè]. Id est, Ductor in linguas, the Guide into Tongues ... London: [W. Stansby and M. Bradwood] at the charges of J. Minsheu, 1617.

John Locke’s copy of the first edition of the first etymological dictionary of the English language. Minsheu’s was a huge undertaking based on the examination of eleven languages. It caused the author severe financial difficulties, exacerbated by the Company of Stationers' refusal to assist him in selling his book, which, according to some evidence, forced him to sell copies by subscription - probably the first book to be sold in this way in England. Language was crucial to John Locke’s philosophy. Words as the expression and indicators of ideas play a central role in his reflection, and it is easy to conceive of his perusing this work with great interest: Locke’s own attention to language, like Minsheu’s, appears to focus primarily on its expressive character, its history, derivations and multiplicity, rather than on its semantic relations and properties. Harrison & Laslett’s Catalogue of Locke’s Library (2nd ed., 1971) lists this copy in the possession of Miss M. Waller of Oxford. STC 17944; Harrison & Laslett 1997.

2 parts in one volume, folio (382 x 243mm). Title within a thin woodcut border, a few woodcut headpieces and initials, with 2 additional dedication leaves to each part not mentioned in the collation given by ESTC, without the separately printed list of subscribers or the final blank). (Last text leaf frayed at lower corner with loss of part of border and a long tear, no loss of text, somewhat water-stained, occasional marginal worming, browned and stained to a greater or lesser extent throughout). Contemporary English calf, sides filleted in blind (rebacked, lettering-piece to style, corners repaired, spine and joints rubbed, a few abrasions to the sides). Provenance: John Locke (his ownership inscription and shelfmark in ink on the calf turn-in at the head of the front board).

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