Dictionaire critique de la langue française: (1787)

The "Dictionaire (sic!) Critique de la Langue Française" by abbé Jean-François Féraud (1725-1807) is incontestably the best-documented record of the 18th century French that has come down to us from that period. Published in 1787 (by Mossy of Marseille) it pursues the innovative aim of providing a comprehensive portable French dictionary designed specifically as an aid for foreigners, the young and people from the provinces. Data culled by the author from previous metalinguistic works are carefully compared, criticised, source-referenced and supplemented, particularly in the field of neologisms, which Féreud includes to a degree that puts him well ahead of most contemporary lexicographers. With the exception of etymology, there is extensive coverage of the linguistic information to be expected of such a dictionary, with especial attention given to usage restrictions (style, pragmatic range, communication situation, frequency, acceptability etc.) and critism of misspellings. In terms of quality and information the work stands alone and is self-recommending for all interested in 18th century France and French.