Question

What prompted Samuel Johnson to write a dictionary of the English language?

Answer 1

A Dictionary of the English Language :
Introduction:
Johnson tells his mixed feelings about his efforts and the fate of his dictionary. We are astonished to read the making of Johnson's dictionary. Through this preface, Johnson himself stands revealed. Johnson wrote his Dictionary in sickness and in sorrow. There was little assistance fro the learned. There was no patronage to the great effort. Yet he endeavoured well. What prompted him? Writing a dictionary is not a rewarding job. Yet Johnson attempted a dictionary of the English language. Dictionary was neglected till Johnson's period. Spread of knowledge is not possible without a dictionary. He wanted to enrich the English language with innovation. Such thoughts made Johnson to write a dictionary.
First survey: First he made a survey. He found the abundance of the language. But it was without order. The language was energetic. Yet it was without rule. Everywhere, there was complication. So he decided to regulate the words to avoid confusion. He had boundless variety of the language. So he decided to develop selection procedure. There were adulterations. He wanted to purify them.
Collection of words: Johnson pursued the works of famous authors. He selected the words accumulated during the long period of literary life. Analogy was missing in obscure words. It was evident in many words. He spent his time upon syntax and etymology. Based on the analogy he framed rules. He fully displayed the English language in his dictionary.
Test of time: Johnson left his dictionary to the test of time. He wanted to deliver to the world the spirit of a man that has endeavoured well. He was not sure of its immediate popularity. Those people he wanted to please went to the grave. Yet he continued and enriched his dictionary. He says success and failure are empty words. He is the least worried about the outcome. But he hoped that useful diligence will at last prevail.