The American Criterion of the English Language; Containing the Elements of Pronunciation; in Five Sections. For the Use of English Schools and Foreigners by Carrol, James - 1795

New London, Connecticut: Samuel Green. 1795. 12mo (16 cm). F First Edition. H Hard Cover. Good. First edition. Early American imprint (1795) with emphasis on American pronunciation of the English language. The author, in the preface, recognizes distinct regional differences even within the American mode of speech - "The pronunciation of the southern states of English America is almost as different from that of the New-England states, even among the learned, as any two dialects of the language of any illiterate nation can be supposed to be : and yet both those parts of America abound with men of bright genius, large mental capacities and profound learning". The author also recognizes the diaparity between the written and spoken English language, and attempts to teach new English readers a consistent method of pronunciation based on a system of rules set forth in the book. Paper covered wooden boards with calf spine, ix, (2), 12-119, (1)p., with the final page citing errata. Free endpapers absent, otherwise a complete copy with age-toned pages free from chips or tears other than one page with a 3mm internal chip toward the bottom barely affecting the text on one page. Externally worn, with the paper covering quite chipped and exposing the wood, front hinge cracked. This is most likely its original, inexpensive binding, in unrestored condition. Text block sound with no loosened pages. Old stamp from what may have been an academic library (not identified) on front pastedown. Rare.