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Websterisms

A Collection of Words and Definitions Set Forth by the Founding Father of American English

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  • 304pages
  • 11 heures de lecture

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"A national language is a national tie, and what country wants it more than America?"—Noah Webster. What defines American English? In 1800, Noah Webster embarked on a mission to capture the vocabulary of a new breed—the American citizen. Despite being a political conservative, his "American Dictionary of the English Language" emerged from a democratic belief that language belonged to the people. The popularity of a word, regardless of its origins, determined its inclusion. Webster's dictionary played a crucial role in shaping the American character. In a captivating introductory essay, historian Jill Lepore revives the complex figure of Webster, highlighting his dedication to words and his nuanced views on language and politics. Arthur Schulman, a crossword puzzle creator for "The New York Times," has selected fifteen hundred entries from Webster's original work, showcasing his interpretive skills and moralistic tendencies. These annotated excerpts, enriched with quotes from contemporary American sources, provide insight into a nascent Republic. "Websterisms" offers a fresh perspective on the man often regarded as the Founding Father of American English and his monumental achievement. Compiling his dictionary took Webster twenty-eight years, during which he faced ridicule for attempting to define American English. Yet, his work endured, with many of his definitions, like "spank" and "caucus," still in use today. This explora

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Websterisms, Jill Lepore, Noah Webster, Arthur Schulman

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Année de publication
2008
Reliure
(rigide)
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Titre
Websterisms
Sous-titre
A Collection of Words and Definitions Set Forth by the Founding Father of American English
Langue
Anglais
Éditeur
Free Press
Publié
2008
Format
rigide
Pages
304
ISBN10
1416561366
ISBN13
9781416561361
Séries
Catégories
Description
"A national language is a national tie, and what country wants it more than America?"—Noah Webster. What defines American English? In 1800, Noah Webster embarked on a mission to capture the vocabulary of a new breed—the American citizen. Despite being a political conservative, his "American Dictionary of the English Language" emerged from a democratic belief that language belonged to the people. The popularity of a word, regardless of its origins, determined its inclusion. Webster's dictionary played a crucial role in shaping the American character. In a captivating introductory essay, historian Jill Lepore revives the complex figure of Webster, highlighting his dedication to words and his nuanced views on language and politics. Arthur Schulman, a crossword puzzle creator for "The New York Times," has selected fifteen hundred entries from Webster's original work, showcasing his interpretive skills and moralistic tendencies. These annotated excerpts, enriched with quotes from contemporary American sources, provide insight into a nascent Republic. "Websterisms" offers a fresh perspective on the man often regarded as the Founding Father of American English and his monumental achievement. Compiling his dictionary took Webster twenty-eight years, during which he faced ridicule for attempting to define American English. Yet, his work endured, with many of his definitions, like "spank" and "caucus," still in use today. This explora