In 1828, at the age of seventy, Noah Webster published An American Dictionary of the English Language. It had taken 25 years of research, labor, and a thought. Mr. Webster went to the extent of learning 26 languages, and becoming a lexiconographer master. The book contained 70,000 words, 12,000 of which had never before been published. Although now honored and esteemed, Webster's first dictionary sold only 2,500 copies. For the remainder of his life, he was burdened by debt, and forced to mortgage his home to develop a second edition. He passed away still without recognition for his efforts and toil, shortly after the second edition was published he passed away.
Today one of my favorite books is Mr. Webster's original 1828. You can purchase an 1828 facsimile edition that is bound in gorgeous green. I find his insights, quotes and etymologies fascinating and poetic, and can read page by page in captivation. Compared to many modern definitions I have seen, Webster's is unparalleled in precision, beauty and scope. This is why I have gone to the extent of labeling his definitions as High Definition or 1828 Hi-Def, to take a spin off from our Television friends. His definitions are for inspiration, and have brought wealth through the ages.
I often picture words being like mini books in themselves. Portals to new ideas and relationships. A great reader knows great words, not only quantity, but in recognition, form and admiration, he chews them around in his mind, turning them over and over. He watches how they open and close, sleep and awaken. Thus may we choose our words wisely, lest they choose us.
Here is the growing OneBookWiser Webster's Archive, as also offered in postcard form to send, share and inspire:
Here is the growing OneBookWiser Webster's Archive, as also offered in postcard form to send, share and inspire:
