An American Dictionary of the English Language

Noah Webster

Published by By the Author. Printed by B. L. Hamlen, New Haven, 1841

About this Item

A complete, two-volume set of Webster's American dictionary of the English language, the first edition in octavo. First Octavo edition.Second edition overall, first published in quarto in 1828. Complete in two volumes. Bound in full calf. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece to Volume I. Collated, complete. Probably would benefit from a reback to the first volume to match the second. Priced to allow generously for this - other copies can command up to £4-5000.00This rare octavo edition is known for being textually the best edition published during Webster's lifetime, also being the final edition published before his death in 1843. A groundbreaking and influential work, Webster's dictionary paved the way for future reference books, with countless editions to follow, including the Merriam-Webster collaboration. This important reference work contains the whole vocabulary of the quarto edition, with corrections, improvements and several thousand additional words. With an introductory dissertations on the origin, history and connection of the languages of western Asia and Europe, with an explanation of the principles on which languages are formed. Compiled by Noah Webster, an American lexicographer and dictionary pioneer, known for this important reference work, and for his reform of English-language spelling in America. Webster's name is well-known all across America, being labelled as the "Father of American Scholarship and Education".With library stamps for Stratford-upon-Avon public library, a library issue sheet to the rear of volume I, a few location notations, a bookplate of Chas Lowndes to volume II. Note tipped in to the front blank of volume I.With a note tipped-in to volume I, from Edith R----, discussing the merits of the work, and an article tipped-in to volume II.Endpapers renewed, with blanks retained to volume I only. Bound in full calf, with boards rebacked and a new spine to volume II. Endpapers renewed to both volumes, with blanks retained to volume I, renewed to II. Externally, sound, with rubbing to the leather, heavier to volume I. Spine is heavily rubbed to volume I, with spine label chipped. Library issue card to the rear of volume I. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with scattered spotting, heavier to the first and last pages. Library stamps and the odd ink notation, including to the title page and frontispiece. Article and note tipped-in to the front blank of each volume. Good.

Seller Inventory # 943Q24

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An American Dictionary of the English Language
• Publisher: By the Author. Printed by B. L. Hamlen, New Haven
• Publication Date: 1841
• Binding: Leather
• Illustrator: None
• Edition: First edition.
• Condition: Good
• Book Type: book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Dictionaries