SHAW (William)

An Analysis of the Galic Language. The Second Edition.

      Edinburgh: Printed by W. and T. Ruddiman; For R. Jamieson.,. 1778 - Tall 8vo, pp. [iii] - 171 [172 blank], early 19th century calf, gilt spine, morocco label; front joint very slightly rubbed and slightly cracked at top, but a good copy. Shaw (1749 - 1831) published two editions of this work in 1778 (the first was a quarto), and he was the first to compile a grammar of the Gaelic language. He was friendly with Dr. Johnson, of whom he wrote a life and memoirs in 1785. Johnson spoke highly of this work and wrote proposals for publishing the work in 1777. In 1976, Dr. K. D. MacDonald said that it was "a rudimentary grammar, with no claim to distinction beyond its being the first published work of its kind." Still, it was the first of its kind and perhaps made possible the improved grammar published by Alexander Stewart in 1801, Elements of Gaelic Grammar. [Attributes: Hard Cover]