Beschreibung:

Autograph Manuscript, a leaf from the first edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language, 2 pp, 4to (251 x 196 mm), 56 lines written recto and verso, with numerous cancellations and emendations, minor chipping along the edges and at corners with very little loss, crease, with thin closed tear through a portion. AUTOGRAPH LEAF FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DRAFT OF WEBSTER'S ASTOUNDING AMERICAN DICTIONARY, containing "Admit" to "Admonitive" with definitions and examples, with extensive revisions and cancellations that reveal Webster's lexicographical process, and a window to the creation of his monumental achievement. "With negligible assistance, he not only compiled but wrote out in his own hand the entire manuscript of a dictionary comprising 70,000 listings, a Preface of textbook proportions and much supplementary material" Leavitt, Noah's Ark (Springfield, 1947). "Webster's great dictionary ... marked a definite advance in modern lexicography, as it included many non-literary terms and paid great attention to the language actually spoken ... Webster succeeded in breaking the fetters imposed upon American English by Dr. Johnson, to the ultimate benefit of the living languages of both countries" PMM 291.