John Walker (lexicographer) facts for kids
John Walker was an important English expert in words and language. He was born on March 18, 1732, in Colney Hatch, near London. He passed away on August 1, 1807, in London. John Walker was known as a stage actor, a philologist (someone who studies language), and a lexicographer (someone who writes dictionaries).
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John Walker's Early Life and Career
John Walker started his career as an actor. He performed in many plays, including some with the famous actor David Garrick at Drury Lane Theatre. He also spent a long time acting in Dublin, Ireland. In 1768, he decided to leave the stage and stop acting.
Teaching and Friendships
After his acting days, Walker opened a school in Kensington. Later, he began teaching elocution. Elocution is the art of clear and expressive speaking. This became his main job for the rest of his life. He was friends with many important writers and thinkers of his time. These friends included Samuel Johnson, who created a famous dictionary, and Edmund Burke, a well-known speaker and politician.
Where John Walker is Buried
John Walker is buried in the churchyard of Old St Pancras Church in London. His grave is located just east of the small church. It is near a special monument designed by Sir John Soane. In 1877, his grave was fully repaired by Baroness Burdett Coutts.
John Walker's Famous Books
John Walker wrote several important books about language. These books helped people understand and use English better.
The Rhyming Dictionary
In 1775, Walker published his book called A Rhyming Dictionary. This book was very popular and helped poets and writers find words that rhyme. It was printed many times because so many people found it useful.
The Pronouncing Dictionary
His most famous book was A Critical Pronouncing Dictionary. He published it in 1791. This dictionary helped people learn how to say English words correctly. It became incredibly popular and was printed about 40 different times. This shows how important his work was for understanding English pronunciation.
