About this book
Samuel Johnson's A Grammar of the English Tongue offers a foundational exploration of language structure from one of history's most influential lexicographers. Originally prefaced to Johnson's celebrated Dictionary of the English Language, this linguistic work systematically examines the four essential components of grammar: orthography, etymology, syntax, and prosody. Johnson guides listeners through the fundamental building blocks of English, from the formation and sound of individual letters to their combination into syllables and words, establishing principles that remain relevant centuries later. Published in the early nineteenth century, this work reflects Johnson's commitment to standardizing English at a time when the language was still evolving and lacked consistent rules. Rather than abandoning established terminology in favor of newfangled alternatives, Johnson deliberately chose clarity and accessibility over innovation—a philosophy he believed would preserve his work from obscurity. This grammar serves as both a historical artifact and a practical guide, demonstrating how systematic thinking can illuminate language patterns. Ideal for linguistics students, language enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how English grammar developed, this audiobook provides insight into the intellectual rigor that shaped modern English standards and offers a window into eighteenth-century scholarly approaches to linguistic analysis.
