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Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary
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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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Small Dictionary,
By
This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary (Pocket Reference Library) (Paperback)
This is a very small Dictionary and handy to keep by my computer. However in being so small(the smallest I have seen) it limits the amount of words. The print is small and rather difficult for older people to see. But just the same it is useful as a large dictionary would be awkward for my use.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gerard,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Merriam-webster's Pocket Dictionary (Paperback)
I bought this dictionary for my children in 4th grade. It is perfect for them, truly pocket-sized when every other book they are lugging around weighs a ton.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite enough,
By Rockfeat (Maryland) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Merriam-webster's Pocket Dictionary (Paperback)
Great size, easy to read but too few words for a real writer!
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