Merriam Webster 79 Merriam-webster's intermediate dictionary, hardcover, revised edition [Hardcover]

Merriam-Webster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0877795797 | ISBN-13: 978-0877795797 | Publication Date: April 23, 2008 | Edition: Reissue

Revised edition has more than 70,000 entries and 1,000 illustrations, many revised. Abundant word history paragraphs, synonym paragraphs and example sentences. Updated to reflect Merriam-Webster's 11th edition Collegiate® Dictionary.

Editorial Reviews

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. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 998 pages
• Publisher: Merriam Webster; Reissue edition (April 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877795797
• ISBN-13: 978-0877795797
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #525,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Only For High Schoolers, February 12, 2003

By 

K. Daman "kydamans" (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary (Hardcover)

This was a required purchase at my son's private school. He is in 5th grade, and this dictionary has proven to be a very valuable resource. The definitions are clear and concise. This dictionary is one that can grow along with him, instead of rebuying the next age appropriate resource. I expect that he will continue to use it for many years.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect 5th+ grade dictionary, October 6, 2008

By 

S. Quackenbush (California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam Webster 79 Merriam-webster's intermediate dictionary, hardcover, revised edition (Hardcover)

I bought this dictionary for my 10-year old daughter, who is in 5th grade. She needed one to do her homework and the college one I had was too complicated for her. This Intermediate dictionary is just what she needed. It has all the necessary information, yet is more clear and easy for her to use. I also believe that it will be advanced enough for her to use for a few years. Highly recommend!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great dictionary for middle schoolers, December 26, 2006

By 

Sarah Day "Mom of an asperger's child" (Lake Stevens, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam Webster 79 Merriam-webster's intermediate dictionary, hardcover, revised edition (Hardcover)

Fairly inclusive and readable print, but small enough to fit in a desk, locker or back pack. I've bought two; one for my daughter and my godson.