Websterisms

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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