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  “THE MOST AMBITIOUS PUBLICATION EVER UNDERTAKEN, UP TO THAT TIME, UPON AMERICAN SOIL… RICHLY DESERVING OF ITS GREAT REPUTATION AT HOME AND ABROAD”: First edition of Noah Webster's landmark American Dictionary of the English Language

  WEBSTER, Noah.

  An American Dictionary of the English Language.

  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.

  Price: $18,500.00     Item Number: 143614

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