Items related to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Synopsis
"A handy, reliable, and authoritative dictionary of the words most frequently used in English. More than 65,000 definitions. Over 150 illustrations. Includes proper names, a Handbook of Style, and quick-reference data tables."
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
The Merriam brothers desired a continuity of editorship that would link Noah Webster's efforts with their own editions, so they selected Chauncey A. Goodrich, Webster's son-in-law and literary heir, who had been trained in lexicography by Webster himself, to be their editor in chief. Webster's son William also served as an editor of that first Merriam-Webster dictionary, which was published on September 24, 1847.
Although Webster's work was honored, his big dictionaries had never sold well. The 1828 edition was priced at a whopping $20; in 13 years its 2,500 copies had not sold out. Similarly, the 1841 edition, only slightly more affordable at $15, moved slowly. Assuming that a lower price would increase sales, the Merriams introduced the 1847 edition at $6, and although Webster's heirs initially questioned this move, extraordinary sales that brought them $250,000 in royalties over the ensuing 25 years convinced them that the Merriams' decision had been abundantly sound.
The first Merriam-Webster dictionary was greeted with wide acclaim. President James K. Polk, General Zachary Taylor (hero of the Mexican War and later president himself), 31 U.S. senators, and other prominent people hailed it unreservedly. In 1850 its acceptance as a resource for students began when Massachusetts ordered a copy for every school and New York placed a similar order for 10,000 copies to be used in schools throughout the state. Eventually school use would spread throughout the country. In becoming America's most trusted authority on the English language, Merriam-Webster dictionaries had taken on a role of public responsibility demanded of few other publishing companies.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Acceptable. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00076697594
Quantity: 3 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00076491315
Quantity: 6 available
Seller Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: Reliant Bookstore, El Dorado, KS, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes highlighting. May have varying covers. Fast Shipping - Mailed in plastic mailer! Seller Inventory # 56JR8Z001OBI_ns
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: Books-FYI, Inc., Cadiz, KY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 23MA3O00O76G_ns
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: BookHolders, Towson, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: NONE ] [ Edition: first ] Publisher: Merriam-Webster Pub Date: 2/1/1995 Binding: Paperback Pages: 720 first edition. Seller Inventory # 6456716
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: Bellwetherbooks, McKeesport, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Good. Good Condition and Unread! Text is clean and unmarked! Edge of pages are discolored from storage. Has a small black line or red dot on bottom/exterior edge of pages. Seller Inventory # MIT-PB-VG-M-0877796068
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Good condition. With remainder mark. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Seller Inventory # M09D-01587
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: BookHolders, Towson, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: NONE ] [ Edition: first ] Publisher: Merriam-Webster Pub Date: 2/1/1995 Binding: Paperback Pages: 720 first edition. Seller Inventory # 6717499
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: ThriftBooks-Reno, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Former library book; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.4. Seller Inventory # G0877796068I5N10
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Seller: ThriftBooks-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.4. Seller Inventory # G0877796068I5N00
Quantity: 12 available