1825. · Hartford
by Webster, Noah
Hartford: Printed for H. Hudson by W. Hudson and L. Skinner, 1825.. 168pp., including eight in-text woodcuts. 12mo. Contemporary half calf and paper- covered boards. Paper stained and peeling from boards, front board chipped at corners, spine rubbed and splitting at head. Interior lightly tanned and foxed, stain to lower right corner through the last two dozen pages. Contemporary ownership inscription on front free endpaper (see below). A good, sound copy overall. The 1825 edition of Noah Webster's monumentally important and phenomenally popular American speller, originally issued in 1783. The AMERICAN SPELLING BOOK was Webster's most popular work and went through scores of editions in his lifetime, the income from which enabled him to dedicate his efforts to his famous dictionary. The impact of this work should not be underestimated, as it became the most common way in which Americans came to learn and understand their own language. The inscription (likely that of the original owner and user) on the front free endpaper of this copy reads "Nancy Smith's Book, East Haven, Jan 24 1826." A well-used but sturdier than usual copy of this book, which is often found in tatters. SKEEL 212. AMERICAN IMPRINTS 23275. SABIN 102337 (note).
(Inventory #: WRCAM57132)