A Standard Dictionary of the English Language Appraisal
Category: Book
Description
This is a large, single-volume dictionary titled "A Standard Dictionary of the English Language." The title page indicates it is based "Upon Original Plans" and designed to provide "complete and accurate statement, in the Light of the Most Recent Advances in Knowledge, and in the Readily Form for Popular Use, the Orthography, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Etymology of All the Words and the Meaning of Idiomatic Phrases in the English Speaking Peoples." It was prepared by "More Than Two Hundred Specialists and Other Scholars." The editors listed include Isaac K. Funk, D.D., LL. D., Editor-in-Chief, Francis A. March, LL. D., L. H. D., Consulting Editor, and Daniel S. Gregory, D. D., LL. D., Managing Editor. Associate Editors are James Cranstoun, M.A. and Arthur E. Bonner, PH. D. It is stated as being "COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME." The publisher is Funk & Wagnalls Company with locations in New York, London, and Toronto. The date is clearly printed as 1897. The pages visible are aged with some discoloration and potential foxing. There are minor tears visible at the top edge of the title page. The spine appears to be very thick, indicating a substantial number of pages. The paper is relatively thin but appears to be of decent quality for the time. The binding is not visible in detail, but the thickness suggests a robust construction would be necessary to hold the volume together. The edges of the pages are not perfectly uniform.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image, the item is a first edition of "A Standard Dictionary of the English Language" published by Funk & Wagnalls Company in 1897. The title page shows clear publication details and editors' names consistent with known copies of this work. The condition appears fair to good for its age. The pages exhibit typical aging with discoloration and possible foxing. Minor tears are visible on the title page's edge. The binding appears robust, supporting the significant thickness of the volume, although its structural integrity and any damage cannot be fully assessed from the image alone. The paper quality seems decent but the edges are not perfectly uniform. This dictionary, while significant for its time and representing a substantial academic undertaking, is not considered rare. It was a widely published reference work. Market conditions for large, comprehensive dictionaries of this era are generally modest, driven primarily by academic interest or as decorative pieces. Comparables typically range in the low double to triple digits, depending heavily on condition and binding quality. The primary factors impacting value here are its age (first edition) and its apparent completeness as a single volume. The condition issues visible, such as tearing and widespread aging/foxing, somewhat diminish its value as a collectible. My authenticity verification is limited solely to the visual evidence in the image. While the title page details and overall look align with known copies, a definitive authentication requires physical examination to verify paper type, printing process, binding methods, and to rule out any potential facsimile or later printing discrepancies not apparent in the image. A thorough assessment of the binding's condition and the extent of internal page damage (like foxing or tears not visible), a page-by-page inspection, and potential provenance documentation would be crucial for a complete and fully verified appraisal.
Appraisal Value
$40-60