This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
WEBSTER, Noah (1758-18943). An American Dictionary of the English Language… To Which Are Prefixed, and Introductory Dissertation on the Origin, History and Connection of the Languages of Western Asia and of Europe… New York: S. Converse, 1828. Thick 4tos. Portrait frontispiece in volume I. 2 volumes. Volumes unpaginated. Introductory material in 2 columns, definitions in 3 columns. Approximately 11 ½ x 9”. Bound in contemporary half black morocco over marbled boards, spines ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands (spines sunned, bindings worn and scuffed, occasional soiling or foxing in text, ffep of volume I repaired, free endpapers creased, a few leaves with tears or repairs, sticker or bookplate residue on both fps). Still, a very good copy of this landmark dictionary. FIRST EDITION OF THIS IMPORTANT UNABRIDGED AMERICAN DICTIONARY. This book was “the most ambitious publication ever undertaken, up to that time, upon American soil.” (Dictionary of American Biography). With this unabridged dictionary, “Webster set a new standard for etymological investigation, and for accuracy of definition, and included 70,000 words, as against the 58,000 of any previous dictionary.” (Grolier).