An American Dictionary of the English Language: Containing the Whole Vocabulary of the First Edition in Two Volumes Quarto, and the Entire Corrections and Improvements of the Second Edition in Two Volumes Royal Octavo

Noah Webster spent over two decades meticulously compiling his magnum opus, aiming to provide a uniquely American linguistic identity distinct from British conventions. First published in 1828, the dictionary was revolutionary for its inclusion of American spellings, such as removing the 'u' in words like 'honor,' and its incorporation of scientific and technical terms that had previously been excluded from standard English lexicons.

The 1841 edition represents a significant refinement of Webster's initial work. By integrating the extensive corrections and systematic improvements established in his second edition, this version solidified the dictionary's role as the authority on American usage. The design reflects the mid-19th-century preference for scholarly rigor and durability, intended for both institutional libraries and the educated homes of a burgeoning nation.