New York: Published by S. Converse. Printed by Hezekiah Howe - New Haven, 1828. First edition of pioneering lexicographer Noah Webster's monumental American Dictionary, arguably the most popular American book ever published and one of only 2500 copies printed. Thick quarto, bound in three quarter polished calf over marbled boards with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, engraved portrait of Webster after Samuel F.B. Morse, unpaginated text in triple columns, pages untrimmed and hence a copy once in boards, the 44 preliminary leaves in Vol. I containing Webster's preface on the history of the dictionary, his introductory dissertation, "on the origin, history and connection of the languages of western Asia and of Europe. With the additional leaf in Vol. II, "Additions and Corrections" which is often lacking, and without the "Advertisement" lead, as issued. Copies in boards did not have the "Advertisement" leaf bound in, as did many copies in calf. In the copies in boards, the leaf was laid in to some but was never originally bound in. Only 2500 copies were printed. With some spotting to the text and dampstain entering the margin of the frontispiece. In very good condition. A sharp example.

Reviews

On Feb 14 2016, a reader said:

I have an 1861 version, and I would not part with it for $1000 - the Orwellian changes to key definitions over almost 200 years are easily seen by even the brain dead... This is an essential tool for anyone who actually reads old books...

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Details

Bookseller: Raptis Rare Books (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 143614
Title: An American Dictionary of the English Language.
Author: Webster, Noah
Book Condition: Used
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Published by S. Converse. Printed by Hezekiah Howe - New Haven
Place of Publication: New York
Date Published: 1828
Keywords: An American Dictionary of the English Language First Edition, Noah Webster First Edition

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About Raptis Rare Books

Founded by Matthew and Adrienne Raptis, Raptis Rare Books is an antiquarian book firm that specializes in literature, children's books, economics, photo books, signed and inscribed books, and landmark books in all fields. Our business model is simple: we strive to handle books that are in exceptional condition and to provide exceptional customer service.

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Calf: Calf or calf hide is a common form of leather binding. Calf binding is naturally a light brown but there are ways to treat the...
Leaves: Very generally, "leaves" refers to the pages of a book, as in the common phrase, "loose-leaf pages." A leaf is a single sheet...
First Edition: In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
Quarto: The term quarto is used to describe a page or book size. A printed sheet is made with four pages of text on each side, and the...
Gilt: The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
Marbled boards: ...
Morocco: Morocco is a style of leather book binding that is usually made with goatskin, as it is durable and easy to dye. (see also...
Spine: The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....