Description
An American Dictionary of the English Language; Exhibiting the Origin, Orthography, Pronunciation, and Definitions of Words. By Noah Webster, LL.D., Abridged from the Quarto Edition of the Author, To Which Are Added, A Synopsis of Words Differently Pronounced by Different Orthoëpists; and Walker’s Key to the Classical Pronunciation of Greek, Latin and Scripture Proper Names. Stereotype Edition. New York: Published by White & Sheffield. Printed by E. Sanderson, Elizabethtown, NJ. 1839. 1011 p., full leather binding measuring 10 x 6.5”, large 8vo. In fair condition. Full leather boards normally scuffed at edges and worn/bumped at corners. Head and tail of spine scuffed; gilt lettering and ruling moderately dulled/soiled & difficult to read. Edges of text-block marbled (dulled). Foxing to front and rear paste-downs and end-pages. Toning throughout text-block with instances of age-staining and finger-soiling. Binding remains intact. Please see photos and ask questions, if any, before purchasing. Noah Webster (1758–1843), the author of the readers and spelling books which dominated the American market at the time, spent decades of research in compiling his dictionaries. His first dictionary , A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language, appeared in 1806 . In it, he popularized features which would become a hallmark of American English spelling (center rather than centre, honor rather than honour, program rather than programme, etc.) and included technical terms from the arts and sciences rather than confining his dictionary to literary words. Webster was a proponent of English spelling reform for reasons both philological and nationalistic. Despite its significant place in the history of American English, Webster's first dictionary sold only 2,500 copies. He was forced to mortgage his home to develop a second edition, and for the rest of his life he had debt problems. Published before the death of Webster, aka before Merriam bought the rights to An American Dictionary. Early Edition (NOT FIRST); clean & intact. RAREA1839OHPX 01/25 - HK2260
Army of Earth
Excellent transaction from start to finish. The antiquarian item arrived promptly and exactly as described, with condition matching the listing perfectly. Packaging was careful, professional, and clearly done with an understanding of how to protect historical materials in transit. The value for the price was outstanding, and the seller demonstrated reliability and attention to detail throughout the process. This piece will become part of the Aguirre Family Library, where it will be preserved and
Hidayah Faisal
The book was meticulously packed in several layers of plastic and bubble wrap, a cardboard box and outer shipping bubble envelope. This seller cares as much about the items as the purchaser does. Excellent communication as well. I urge anyone purchasing books on eBay to use this seller. I will be doing all my future book ordering through this seller. Thank you
Aleksei Levkovich
Volume was exactly as described and illustrated. It came very well packed - padding and waterproofing. Ordered on 2nd, dispatched on 3rd and delivered on 19th by eBay international shipping US to UK. I'd be very happy to purchase again from this vendor.