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1885 WEBSTER’S UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY
Subscription Edition • G. & C. Merriam & Co. • Springfield, Massachusetts
Hard-to-find 1885 Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary Subscription Edition, an enormous antique reference volume weighing approximately 12 pounds.
This impressive late-19th-century Webster is much more than a standard dictionary. The special Subscription Edition includes an extensive Historical Supplement, maps, portraits, statistical and historical material, and numerous illustrations.
The spine advertises 3,000 Illustrations, and the book retains an especially impressive double-row A–Z thumb-indexed fore-edge with recessed red/pink alphabetical tabs.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 1885 publication
- Subscription Edition
- G. & C. Merriam & Co., Springfield, Massachusetts
- Approximately 12 lbs unpacked
- Huge oversized antique volume
- Approximately 4¼–4½\" thick
- 3,000 illustrations advertised on spine
- Elaborate A–Z thumb index
- Decorative gilt-lettered binding
- Extensive Historical Supplement
- Color Territorial Growth of the United States map
- Color Flags of Various Nations plate
- Engraved Noah Webster portrait
- Presidential portraits and biographies
- United States history
- State and territorial history
- Historical chronology
- Maps, statistics and geographical information
- Numerous engravings and illustrations throughout
The Subscription Edition supplement includes historical information on the United States, Presidents from Washington through Arthur, the states of the Union, chronology, population and statistical information, historic buildings, portraits and geographical material.
A fascinating example of 19th-century American publishing, with tremendous visual character and an impressive library/display presence.
CONDITION
Please read carefully.
This is a genuine antique volume from 1885 and is being sold in distressed/as-found condition.
The original binding has substantial wear and deterioration. The spine has cracking, separation, material loss and exposed binding areas. The hinges/binding are weakened, and the covers, corners and edges show considerable wear.
Some pages and sections are loose, torn, separated and/or damaged, as photographed. Interior pages show age-related toning, foxing, staining, discoloration, creasing and edge wear.
Despite the binding condition, the book retains impressive original content, including the thumb indexing, maps, color plates, illustrations, engravings and Historical Supplement.
The book has not been checked page-by-page, and completeness is not guaranteed.
No restoration has been attempted.
Please enlarge and review ALL photographs carefully. Photos are part of the description and show the actual book you will receive.
Sold as pictured and as found.
Excellent for collectors of antiquarian books, Webster dictionaries, Americana, Victorian reference books, historical maps, illustrated dictionaries and 19th-century American history, or as an impressive antique library/display piece.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Book Title: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary
Author: Noah Webster
Publication Year: 1885
Publisher: G. & C. Merriam & Co.
Edition: Subscription Edition
Place of Publication: Springfield, Massachusetts
Language: English
Binding: Hardcover
Original/Facsimile: Original
Subject: Dictionaries & Reference
Topic: English Language / American History
Special Attributes: Illustrated, Maps, Color Plates, Thumb Indexed, Historical Supplement
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Weight: Approx. 12 lbs unpacked
Please Note: Lifestyle images are for display inspiration only and are intended to show how a similar item may look in a home setting. The actual item for sale is the exact item shown in the original listing photos. Please refer to those photos for the precise design, condition, measurements, and details.
