ECEP Database :: Works

A critical pronouncing dictionary and expositor of the English language. In which Not only the Meaning of every Word is clearly explained, and the Sound of every Syllable distinctly shown, but where Words are subject to different Pronunciations, the Reasons for each are at large displayed, and the preferable Pronunciation is pointed out. To which are prefixed, principles of English pronunciation; in which The Sounds of Letters, Syllables, and Words, are critically investigated, and systematically arranged; the Rules for Pronouncing are so regulated and disposed as to be applicable, on Inspection, to the Words; and the Analogies of the Language are so fully shown as to lay the Foundation of a consistent and rational Pronunciation. Likewise rules to be observed by the natives of Scotland, Ireland, and London, for avoiding their respective Peculiarities; and directions to foreigners for acquiring a Knowledge of the Use of this Dictionary. the whole interspersed with observations, philological, critical, and grammatical. By John Walker, Author of elements of elocution, rhyming dictionary, melody of speaking delineated, &c. &c. London: sold by G. G. J. and J. Robinson, Paternoster Row; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, M.DCC.XCI. [1791].

Reprinted over 100 times up to 1904, influential in US as well as Britain. (DNB)

 

Paratext: grammar = pronunciation guide.

 

Last line of text on A2 recto ends: 'pronunciation'. A variant, with leaves A2-3 in a different setting, has last line of text on A2 recto ending: 'alone'. (ECCO)

 

Physical description from ECCO.

 

(Beal 1999: 79) "The system used by Walker is, therefore, virtually identical to that devised by Sheridan: improvements needed to be made, not in the system, but in the actual pronunciations recommended, for in this respect Walker felt that Sheridan fell far short of the ideal."

 

(Beal 1999: 80) "Walker's notation, like Sheridan's, is essentialy 'diacritic', and not consistently phonetic even in its own terms."