Merriam-Webster's Premium Gift Set with CD-ROM [Hardcover]

Merriam-Webster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0877798125 | ISBN-13: 978-0877798125 | Publication Date: January 2004 | Edition: 11

A great 4 in 1 value! Attractive burgundy leather-look versions of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Thesaurus in a matching slipcase. 225,000 definitions, 40,000 example phrases, 305,000 synonyms. Includes a Win/Mac CD-ROM that installs easily on a hard drive for instant accessibility, with dozens of powerful search options.

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: 1 pages
• Publisher: Merriam-Webster; 11 edition (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877798125
• ISBN-13: 978-0877798125
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,524,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable deal for the money, January 29, 2010

By 

E. P. Hudson (Methuen, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Premium Gift Set: Slipcased (Hardcover)

This set is pristine and well worth the money. I bought this set to replace a previous set that was damaged by water and have no regrets as this was definitely an upgrade. Looks fantastic on display and is of the highest quality leather that can be expected in this category. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy, January 14, 2010

By 

Amorosi love "sweetly singing" (Ely, NV USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Premium Gift Set with CD-ROM (Hardcover)

I gave this to my daughter for Christmas and she is extremely pleased with it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great set, March 8, 2011

By 

Tuffy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Premium Gift Set with CD-ROM (Hardcover)

Very happy with this set. Quality is excellent for the price! CD is a big plus and works flawlessly on my computer. I have no hesitation in recommending this item.