Dictionary Wars: The American Fight over the English Language

The Dictionary Wars is a book about 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 and the personal stories and national debates that arose from the conflicts surrounding Americas first dictionaries.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 28 May 2019
\n Publisher: Princeton University Press
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In the captivating tale of The Dictionary Wars, Peter Martin delves into the patriotic fervor that characterized the early American republic as it embarked on a mission to create the first definitive American dictionary of English. This endeavor, initially driven by a desire to assert independence from Britain, swiftly transformed into a fierce battle among lexicographers, authors, scholars, and publishers, all vying for the ultimate authority and control over the English language in the United States. The central question that permeated the dictionary wars was whether or not a dictionary of English should strive to be truly American, independent of its British roots.

Martin skillfully weaves together the human story of the intense rivalry between two pioneering lexicographers, Noah Webster and Joseph Emerson Worcester. These men, each with their own distinct perspectives, engaged in a titanic struggle over who could best represent the soul and identity of American culture. Webster, driven by his belief in republican principles, advocated for an American dictionary that would be informed by these values. On the other hand, Worcester, while acknowledging the importance of national identity, believed that language reforms should be approached with caution and not go too far.

The conflict between Webster and Worcester extended beyond Webster's passing, as the ambitious Merriam brothers acquired publishing rights to Webster's American Dictionary and launched their own language wars. This marked a new chapter in the dictionary battles, as the Merriam brothers sought to shape the language according to their own vision. The dictionary wars not only involved lexicographers and publishers but also engaged a wide range of institutions and organizations in America, including colleges, libraries, newspapers, religious groups, and state legislatures.

Spanning from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the end of the Civil War, the dictionary wars played a pivotal historical role
role as literacy rates surged and the print revolution took hold. These conflicts not only shaped the language but also left a lasting impact on American culture, shaping the way.

In conclusion, The Dictionary Wars is a captivating and insightful exploration of the complex and fascinating history of the national conflicts that arose. It sheds light on the passionate endeavors of early American republicans to establish a definitive American dictionary of English, a mission that ultimately devolved into a battle for linguistic supremacy. Through the personal stories and national debates that arose.

\n Weight: 774g\n
Dimension: 166 x 246 x 38 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780691188911\n \n