- 167
Webster, Noah
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- paper
An American Dictionary of the English Language. New York: Hezikiah Howe in New Haven for S. Converse, 1828
2 volumes, folio (12 x 9 1/2 in.; 305 x 241 mm, uncut). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Webster by A. B. Durand after S. F. B. Morse, advertisement leaf in volume 2, clipped signature of Webster loosely inserted, two leaves of lexigraphic notes bound in at the beginning of vol. 2; portrait, advertisement and title-page of volume 2 soiled, stained, and frayed, lower corner of advertisement extended, crude repair to upper margin of vol. 2 title and to clean tears in text block of last two leaves. Modern half calf over marbled boards, brown cloth slipcases.
2 volumes, folio (12 x 9 1/2 in.; 305 x 241 mm, uncut). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Webster by A. B. Durand after S. F. B. Morse, advertisement leaf in volume 2, clipped signature of Webster loosely inserted, two leaves of lexigraphic notes bound in at the beginning of vol. 2; portrait, advertisement and title-page of volume 2 soiled, stained, and frayed, lower corner of advertisement extended, crude repair to upper margin of vol. 2 title and to clean tears in text block of last two leaves. Modern half calf over marbled boards, brown cloth slipcases.
Provenance
Victor & Irene Murr Jacobs (sale, Sotheby's New York, 29 October 1996, lot 454)
Literature
Cordell / O'Neill W-221; Grolier, American 36; PMM 291; Sabin 102335; Skeel 583
Condition
Engraved frontispiece portrait of Webster by A. B. Durand after S. F. B. Morse, advertisement leaf in volume 2, clipped signature of Webster loosely inserted, two leaves of lexigraphic notes bound in at the beginning of vol. 2; portrait, advertisement and title-page of volume 2 soiled, stained and frayed, lower corner of advertisement extended, crude repair to upper margin of vol. 2 title and to clean tears in text block of last two leaves. Modern half calf over marbled boards, brown cloth slipcases.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
First edition, a handsome copy, entirely untrimmed. Webster wrote out by hand the more than 70,000 entries for this, "the most ambitious publication ever undertaken, up to that time, upon American soil." Proclaimed a born lexicographer by Sir James Murray (editor of the Oxford English Dictionary), Webster "succeeded in breaking the fetters imposed upon American English by Johnson, to the ultimate benefit of the living languages of both countries."