Dictionary Wars: The American Fight over the English Language

The Dictionary Wars is a history of the national conflicts that resulted from efforts to produce the first definitive American dictionary of English, which devolved into a battle among lexicographers, authors, scholars, and publishers. It explores the linguistic struggles that underpinned the founding and growth of a nation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The Dictionary Wars, a captivating chronicle of the national conflicts that emerged from the quest to create the first definitive American dictionary of English, unveils the patriotic fervor that characterized the early American republic. This endeavor aimed to rival Samuel Johnson's renowned Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755. However, what began as a cultural struggle for independence from Britain swiftly devolved into a fierce battle among lexicographers, authors, scholars, and publishers, all vying for dictionary supremacy and ultimately shattering the dream of a unified American language.

Peter Martin takes us on a journey through the intense rivalry between two pioneering lexicographers, Noah Webster and Joseph Emerson Worcester. Their conflict extended beyond Webster's passing, as the ambitious Merriam brothers acquired publishing rights to Webster's American Dictionary. The dictionary wars also engulfed America's colleges, libraries, newspapers, religious groups, and state legislatures, coinciding with the rise of literacy and the print revolution.

Through personal stories and national debates, The Dictionary Wars delves into the linguistic struggles that underpinned the founding and growth of a nation. It explores the complex interplay between language, culture, and politics, shedding light on the profound impact of dictionary choices on the development of American society. The book uncovers the ideological battles, intellectual disputes, and commercial rivalries that shaped the linguistic landscape of the United States.

The Dictionary Wars serves as a reminder of the enduring power of language and the significance of cultural identity in shaping the course of history. It underscores the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting a common language that can unite a nation. By examining the complexities of the dictionary wars, The Dictionary Wars offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between language, power, and society.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 135 x 202 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691210179