579

Noah Webster

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,400.00 - 1,600.00 USD
Noah Webster

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2016 Nov 09 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS signed “N. Webster,” one page, 7 x 4.5, November 3, 1841. Letter to Mr. Harris requesting a favor, in full: “I take the liberty to direct a small box of books to your care, with a request that you would keep it safe & deliver it to a Wm McMahon, an agent of mine, who will be in Worcester in a few days. If any expense is incurred, it shall be punctually repaid.” Matted with an engraving with a facsimile signature to an overall size of 13 x 17. In fine condition, with several intersecting folds.

Now holding an honored place in the history of American English—as well as being a treasured tool of writers and term paper-writing students—Webster’s first dictionary only sold 2,500 copies. He was forced to mortgage his home in order to publish a second edition in 1840-1841, resulting in a life plagued with ceaseless debt. Despite his personal hardship, Webster here pledges to “punctually” repay any expense incurred.