[WEBSTER, NOAH]. A Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit I. The Origin and Affinities of Every English Word as far as They Have Been Ascertained, With its Primary Signification, as now Generally Established;- II. The Orthography and the Pronunciation of Words, as Sanctioned by Reputable Usage, and Where This Usage is Divided, as Determinable by a Reference to the Principle of Analogy;- III. Accurate and Discriminating Definitions of Technical and Scientific Terms, with Numerous Authorities and Illustrations. To Which are Prefixed an Introductory Dissertation on the Origin, History, and Connection of the Languages of Western Asia and of Europe; and a Concise Grammar, Philosophical and Practical, of the English Language. London: Black, Young, and Young, foreign booksellers to the King,1831-1832.
FIRST UK EDITION. In two volumes; leather-bound; hardcover; quarto (27.5 x 22 cm); pp. viii, civ, [904], [2] publisher's advertisements; [926]. English text in double and triple columns. Handsomely bound in contemporary half calf gilt; marbled paper-covered boards; marbled endpapers. Printed by Richard Taylor, printer to the University of London. Condition: VERY GOOD. Collated complete. Bindings tight and secure. Slight rubbing to the joints and boards. Interiors with some light toning, a few intermittent fox spots, and some small closed tears. Without previous ownership markings. A handsome set.
Notes: Webster's Dictionary, which first appeared in America in 1828, has remained the standard dictionary in the United States. Webster's Dictionary sought to differentiate itself from the standard English dictionary of Dr Johnson, and adapted his entries for American English.
