The first major English dictionary, called the Dictionary of the English Language, was issued in 1755 by the person considered the leading English writer of the late 18th century. Who was he?

Often referred to simply as Dr. Johnson, the towering literary figure of the late 18th century was indeed the mind behind this monumental work. His 1755 publication, A Dictionary of the English Language, was a staggering achievement. Working almost single-handedly over the course of nine years, he compiled nearly 43,000 words, defining them with a precision and literary flair that had never been seen before. His work became the standard authority on the English language for the next 150 years, until the Oxford English Dictionary was completed.

What made Johnson's dictionary so revolutionary and enduring was its personality. Unlike the dry, objective reference works we know today, Johnson’s definitions were often witty, opinionated, and illustrated with quotations from the finest English writers. For example, he famously defined "oats" as "a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people." He even poked fun at his own profession, defining "lexicographer" as "a writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge."

While an 18th-century dictionary might seem an odd fit for the movies category, Johnson and his magnum opus were famously lampooned in the classic British comedy series "Blackadder the Third." In one beloved episode, Prince George and his butler Blackadder try to "improve" the dictionary with slang and nonsense words, accidentally burning the only manuscript in the process. This memorable on-screen appearance has linked the great writer to the world of film and television for generations of viewers.