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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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than 100,000 entries providing authoritative definition,
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary (Hardcover)
Now in a fully revised and illustrated edition specifically designed for students in grades 9 to 11, Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary is an essential, core, and thoroughly "kid friendly" reference. With more than 100,000 entries providing authoritative definitions, spellings, and pronounciations, more than 1,000 clear illustrations and tables, and over 15,000 useage examples, the Merriam-Webster' School Dictionary is a crystal clear, easy-to-use resource that presents solid information without relying on excessively small font size to strain young eyes. Also very solidly recommended is the Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary (0877795797, $17.95) for middle school students in grades 5 to 8.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST!,
By Martha (Chicago) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Webster's School Dictionary (Paperback)
My students and I constantly go through the dictionary finding possible and impossible words and this dictionary has been the one to always have the information we need in a way that we were able to understand (It also hard for the teacher sometimes). Many times when you use a dictionary the definition is stated in words that you have to lookup again anyway. This is the one you and your children will always be able to understand quickly!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
great buy,
By uk2usa "UK2USA" (usa) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary (Hardcover)
I bought this dictionary for my 6th grader and she has found it most useful. I have been using it too!
Well worth the money and something every home should have!
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