Academic Edition Dictionary Appraisal

A Dictionary of the English Language, Academic Edition by Noah Webster

This is an antique 'Academic Edition' of Noah Webster’s English language dictionary, compiled by William G. Webster and William A. Wheeler. The title page indicates it is an explanatory, pronouncing, etymological, and synonymous dictionary, mainly abridged from the latest edition of the Quarto Dictionary. Physical characteristics include paper pages with a noticeable aged yellowish-beige patina and slight foxing throughout. The typography features a variety of classic serif fonts typical of the late 19th-century publishing era, including Gothic blackletter and bold Roman faces. Notable markings include a decorative circular monogram focal point and illustrations mentioned as 'more than Three Hundred and Fifty Engravings on Wood.' The publisher is listed as Ivison, Blakeman & Company of New York and Chicago, with additional mentions of G. & C. Merriam & Co. and Van Antwerp, Bragg & Company. This specific imprint suggests an estimated age between 1887 and 1890, based on the operating years of Ivison, Blakeman & Co. The condition appears fair to good for its age, showing visible edge wear on the paper, minor discoloration, and some slight fraying or softening of the corner edges. The binding is not fully visible, but the inner hinge shows typical stress from age. The craftsmanship is indicative of high-quality mass-market academic publishing of the Victorian period, featuring complex typesetting and detailed woodblock engravings.