Merriam-Webster's Crossword Puzzle Dictionary [Mass Market Paperback]

Merriam-Webster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1999

Created especially for crossword puzzle lovers. 300,000 answer words. Organized alphabetically and by number of letters. Comprehensive coverage.

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

• Mass Market Paperback: 784 pages
• Publisher: Merriam-Webster; 2 edition (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877799199
• ISBN-13: 978-0877799191
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,262,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars puzzle help, October 15, 2011

By 

suzie "suzie" (mo) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Crossword Puzzle Dictionary (Mass Market Paperback)

Great crossword puzzle book to keep in your travel bag or just on your home bookshelf. Makes a great stocking stuffer gift or going away to college present for students.

4.0 out of 5 stars Merriam-Webster Crossword Puzzle Dictionary 2nd ed, August 6, 2011

By 

Art Buff (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Crossword Puzzle Dictionary (Mass Market Paperback)

My mom is an avid crossword puzzler, doing 3 a day is normal for her. She had a copy of this dictionary, but it was worn out from use. And some pages were missing as well, so when I found the same copy, I was very pleased. It was used, but in very good condition.