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Noah Webster ALS Re: Dictionary

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Noah Webster ALS Re: Dictionary
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Autograph letter signed by lexicographer Noah Webster, regarding his magnum opus, ''An American Dictionary of the English Language.'' Letter to his publisher, Sherman Converse, expresses Webster's frustrations about the completion of his dictionary and the overwhelming editing process. Written just months before the dictionary's publication from New Haven, Connecticut on 23 May 1828, letter reads in full, ''Sir, Your letter of the 20th contains remarks respecting my proposal to stenotype a small dictionary, which it was and is improper for you to make. You are not acquainted with the circumstances and views by which I am governed, nor are your rights in the least concerned in my plans. With regard to Dr. Percival, I can only say that I was compelled to take the steps I did. For I am certain, had I not done it, I should ere this have been unfit for any superintendence of the dictionary. As it is, I am not certain that I shall not sink under the labor, before it is finished. I wish you to return my picture as soon as may be. My friends here all agree that the dictionary must be abridged into the Octavo form, but I cannot do the work myself & who shall be procured to do the work, I do not know. The Rev. Mr. Robins, late of East Windsor, is now unsettled and he is very fond of philological pursuits; but I do not know that he would undertake this work. I think however, that the works should be undertaken soon. Yours respectfully, N. Webster''. Obviously overwhelmed by the laborious project of finishing his dictionary -- which, with 70,000 entries, surpassed in both scope and excellence all previous dictionaries -- we know that Webster did not edit it down to octavo form as he had planned. The dictionary was published later that year in two quarto volumes, forever solidifying his legacy as wordsmith par excellence. Single page letter measures 7.25'' x 11.75. ''S. Converse'' is written at lower left and ''copy'' at upper left, indicating this was Webster's retained copy of his letter to Converse. Letter has toning and a small tear and hole along fold. Overall in very good condition.