1891 Webster's International Dictionary of the English Language

This is an antique oversized reference book, specifically 'Webster's International Dictionary of the English Language,' being the 1891 edition published by G. & C. Merriam Company of Springfield, Mass. This edition was thoroughly revised and enlarged under the supervision of Noah Porter, D.D., LL.D., and serves as an authentic successor to the Unabridged editions of 1864, 1879, and 1884. The volume features a distinctive maroon marbled interior cover with a wave-like 'shell' pattern, which was a high-quality aesthetic choice common in late 19th-century bookbinding. The title page showcases clear typography with a publisher's crest at the bottom center. The physical condition of the item is poor to fair. Visible defects include significant shelf wear, darkening and foxing of the paper, and severe tattered edges on the fore-edge where the paper has become brittle and chipped away. Several pages appear detached or loose from the binding, indicating a compromise in the structural integrity of the spine. There is visible staining on the lower right of the title page and general yellowing consistent with acidic paper aging. Despite the damage, it remains a notable example of Victorian-era lexicography and scholarly publishing.