Author
Noah Webster
1758-1843
Noah Webster (1758-1843) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Noah Webster
Dissertations on the English Language, with Notes, Historical and Critical; to Which is Added, by Way of Appendix, an Essay on a Reformed Mode of Spelling, With Dr. Franklin's Arguments on that Subject
"Dissertations on the English Language, with Notes, Historical and Critical" by Noah Webster is a scholarly treatise written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a critical examination of the English language, focusing on its structure, pronunciation, and the necessity of establishing a unique American variant separate from British English. The text is likely aimed at addressing misconceptions in language use and promoting a more standardized approach to English grammar and spelling. At the start of the treatise, Webster outlines his motivations for writing about the English language, detailing his journey from an academic background to his practical observations in the real world. He expresses concern over the stiffness and errors he and his contemporaries experienced when trying to communicate effectively after formal education. Webster critiques existing grammatical principles and references his own research, hinting at a comprehensive analysis of language development and its orthography. The introduction sets the stage for the exploration of how language evolves and the influence of societal changes, while also presenting an argument for the importance of cultivating a distinct American English.
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages)
"Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages)" by Noah Webster is a comprehensive reference work that provides definitions and etymology for a wide variety of English words. The book was probably written in the early 19th century, a period marked by a fascination with language and education in America. The likely topic of this work is the clarification and standardization of English language, presenting insights into not only individual words but also their meanings, uses, and historical context. The opening of this reference book presents a series of entries from the dictionary, illustrating the format and style in which Webster lays out the definitions. Each entry includes the word's pronunciation, part of speech, meaning, and examples of usage, reflecting Webster’s meticulous attention to detail and intention to enhance the reader's understanding of the English language. This beginning gives insight into the breadth of vocabulary covered in the dictionary, as well as Webster's commitment to educating readers on language and its complexities.
A Collection of Essays and Fugitiv Writings On Moral, Historical, Political, and Literary Subjects
"A Collection of Essays and Fugitiv Writings" by Noah Webster is a compilation of essays focusing on moral, historical, political, and literary subjects, written in the late 18th century. The collection aims to address significant issues faced by America in its revolutionary period, reflecting on the principles of government, education, and societal values. Webster's works are intended to encourage a spirit of inquiry and virtue among readers, particularly in the context of the emerging American identity. The opening of this collection begins with a preface where the author emphasizes the importance of addressing educational methods and moral character formation in America. Webster critiques existing educational practices, particularly highlighting the excessive focus on ancient languages at the expense of practical knowledge and the study of English. He argues for a systematic improvement in education that emphasizes both ethical and civic knowledge tailored to the needs of a republican society. This opening section sets the stage for a broader discussion on how education can shape the morals and governance of a new nation, showcasing Webster's commitment to fostering an informed and virtuous populace.
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1st 100 Pages)
"Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1st 100 Pages)" by Noah Webster is a reference book written during the early 19th century. This work focuses on the English language, providing detailed definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies of various words and letters starting from the alphabet A. It serves as a comprehensive guide for scholars, students, and general readers seeking to understand the intricacies of English vocabulary and grammar. The opening of the dictionary elaborates on the letter "A," discussing its origins from the Phoenician and Greek alphabets, as well as its various pronunciations and uses in both music and language. It explains the historical significance and evolution of the letter, detailing how it functions as an indefinite article and its grammatical usage in sentences. Overall, this introduction provides insights into the foundational aspects of the English language, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of words and their meanings that follows in subsequent pages.