Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language

I've now purchased all three available versions of this book, first the facsimile hardbound version, then the Kindle version, and recently this compact hardbound version. Of the three, I definitely like this one the most.The facsimile version was not just too big and too heavy for comfortable use. Its type was a bit faint and hard for my aging eyes to read.The Kindle version was easy enough to read, but difficult to search for a specific word I wanted to look up. The free online Web version was easier in that regard, but of course only works when I have Web access.This compact version has been freshly typeset in an easy to read font, plus is small enough and light enough for me to hold without difficulty. The hardbound version is also well bound, and appears likely to last longer than I will.All versions share the virtue of being the most authoritative American dictionary, still in use after almost 200 years, and immune to issues raised by changing cultural values over time. It is particularly good at defining words found in the even older King James Version of the Christian Bible. In both cases, I figure anything still in daily use after more than a century must be important.All it lacks is definitions for new words developed since 1828, for example "photosynthesis."

I love the real meanings, not changed to fit the times.

Best dictionary for bible study! Every word has a biblical definition and a lot have references as well so it’s great to use while you’re doing a Bible study!

Title explains my use.

Bought as an English language reference

I liked the price, but now I wish I would've gotten a hard cover. Also, it does not have the etymologies, which is very helpful for tracing word meanings.

We cannot fully understand the present without understanding the past. Fascinating how language meaning has changed. We lose a sense of history when we don't understand the change in language. We need these old books.

This hardcover “compact edition” is 11-5/8” long x 8-3/4” wide x 2-1/16” thick, and weighs about 5 pounds. Despite its size, the print is small (I don’t know the font size, sorry). The main entries, or words you’re looking up, are in all capital letters, but they are not in bold type like today’s dictionaries. In addition to no etymology, no pronunciations are given. As someone else noted, this big dictionary arrived loose in a box; I would have preferred the seller shrink-wrap the book to protect it from another book in the box. This is an 1828 dictionary, and where else can you find 56 definitions for the word “run”? I give MW 5 stars for bringing it back to life for those of us who can’t afford pricey collectible books.

Hope to buy the full item soon.

This dictionary is very helpful because I can understand the real meaning of the words when I am traslating something into italian. The fact that is "bible based" is a huge bonus. I don't mind the size, 'cause it is normal for a dictionary. It is easily readable. It is very helpful where internet is off.

It maybe thick and heavy but it’s one of the best dictionaries to have. I highly recommend it.

Es ist genau, das was ich gewünscht habe. Kann nur weiter empfehlen, für die, die eine durchaus überlegte Englisches Lexikon suchen.

This is an invaluable resource for King James bible students seeking full definitions of the obscure words found in the bible text. With reference to the one star review, the original intention of Webster's work was, as the title suggests, a dictionary of the English language as it was at the time (1828) as opposed to being strictly a dictionary of King James English.Although this says "Compact Edition" on the cover, this single volume is epic in both size and scope.Pros:Extremely comprehensive, this would be the only "King James" English dictionary that you would ever need.Concise and clear definitions.Cons:Large size means the dictionary isn't particularly portable.Small print size although font used is clear and legible.