American Dictionary of the English Language (1828 Facsimile Edition)

In this review of the American Dictionary of the English Language (1828 Facsimile Edition), readers are told who benefits most and why this reprint matters. This edition is for students of language history, Christian scholars, homeschoolers, and anyone seeking a historically rooted reference that ties definitions to scripture and classical literature. The single biggest reason to buy is the depth of historical and biblical context: Noah Webster traces word roots across many languages and supplies usage examples from the Bible and classical authors, making it uniquely useful for understanding older texts and doctrinal language.

Key Features

• Facsimile of 1828 edition: Preserves the original layout and entries so readers can study the dictionary as it was presented to early American scholars.
• Biblical and classical examples: Many definitions include scripture and classical citations, which helps readers interpret older literature and theological texts accurately.
• Wide linguistic tracing: Webster traces roots in twenty-six languages, providing historical insight into word origins and development.
• Comprehensive introductions: Sections on language and grammar give context and guidance for readers approaching eighteenth- and nineteenth-century usage.
• Added biography: The included biography of Noah Webster by Rosalie Slater explains his scholarly contributions and records his conversion to Christ, adding valuable background for readers.

Who It's For

This facsimile edition is ideal for homeschool families, Bible study groups, and historians who want a primary-source style dictionary that reflects early American scholarship. It is especially suited to readers who value historical context and scriptural references within definitions, and who need a robust reference for interpreting classic texts.

Those who primarily want a modern, concise dictionary for everyday spelling, contemporary usage, or quick definitions should look elsewhere; modern dictionaries offer updated meanings and modern examples better suited to daily writing and conversation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional information quality with thorough etymologies and historical examples that enhance study and research.
• Particularly valuable for Bible study due to the inclusion of scripture in many definitions.
• Beautiful, sturdy presentation noted by customers, making it suitable for display or frequent reference in a home library.

Cons

• Because it is a facsimile of the 1828 edition, some spellings and usages are archaic and may not match modern standards.

Specifications

Title	American Dictionary of the English Language (1828 Facsimile Edition)
Author / Brand	Noah Webster
Edition type	Facsimile reprint of the 1828 edition
Language focus	English with roots traced in 26 languages
Additional material	Biography "Noah Webster, Founding Father of American Scholarship and Education" by Rosalie Slater
Content highlights	Scriptural and classical literature examples, introductions to language and grammar

Our Verdict

The 1828 facsimile is a worthwhile purchase for readers who want a historically faithful reference that illuminates the language of Scripture and early American thought. Its combination of detailed etymology, biblical citations, and a biographical essay on Webster makes it good value for students, homeschoolers, and Christian scholars seeking depth rather than contemporary usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the original 1828 text?
Yes, this is a facsimile reprint that preserves the entries and layout of the 1828 edition for historical study.

Does it include modern definitions?
No, it reproduces Webster's original 1828 definitions and examples, so some meanings and spellings are archaic compared with modern dictionaries.

Who wrote the added biography?
The biography is by Rosalie Slater and describes Noah Webster's scholarly work and conversion to Christ.