The Royal Standard English Dictionary

Boston: Thomas & Andrews, West & Blake, Eben. Larkin, and John West & Co, 1810. Early American edition of William Perry's Royal Standard English Dictionary, first published in Edinburgh in 1775. The dictionary is followed by a series of appendices: "The proper Names of Persons and Places in the Old and New Testaments; Names of the principal Cities, Rivers, Mountains, &c. in the known World ; the ancient and modern Poets, Philosophers, Patriots, Statesmen, &c. all accurately accented, with their proper Pronunciation pointed out." Showing considerable signs of use and a crude homemade repair, this copy is notable for the delightful bookplate of its first owner, Sarah McLaughlin, a manuscript pastedown label decorated with a pattern of ink dots: "Her book bought in the year 1810." Shaw & Shoemaker, 21048. A compelling example of early American book ownership and use. Single volume, measuring 5.5 x 5 inches: xii, 13-491, [1]. Contemporary calf boards, inexpertly rebacked in sheep at an early date. Ink ownership inscription and homemade bookplate of Sarah McLaughlin, both dated 1810, to front flyleaf. Pencil notes to front pastedown, iii, and xii; ink scribbles to rear pastedown. Front flyleaf expertly reinforced, hinges repaired. Light dampstaining, text foxed, a few wormholes, binding shelfworn.