Gr 3–6—Although best known for his dictionaries, Webster, a contemporary and friend of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and other "founding fathers," made many contributions to the United States as a new nation. He advocated standardization of spellings and pronunciations of words, differentiating between American and British English. He was an early proponent of public education. He was instrumental in getting the first U.S. copyright laws approved. Unfortunately, while his many accomplishments are certainly worthy of study and attention, none of them are of particular interest to children. The thoughtful, quotation-heavy, and lengthy text is appropriately aimed at older readers, and the attractive oil paintings, realistic, dark-toned tableaux, accurately reflect the period. However, their formal composition may appeal more to an adult audience. Instead of tightly focused pictures that draw a child's eye to important details, these images are often panoramic views. The art is beautiful, but better suited to museum viewing than a picture-book biography. Webster is a fascinating topic, but this book does not succeed in bringing him to life for young readers.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
One of the most important patriots in post-Revolutionary times. Most readers know Noah Webster for his dictionary masterpieces and his promotion of a living "American Language" that embraces words and idioms from all its immigrant peoples. But he was also the driving force behind universal education for all citizens, including slaves, females, and adult learners. Speaker of twenty languages, he developed the new country's curriculum, writing and publishing American literature, American history, and American geography. He published New York City's first daily newspaper. As editor, Webster conducted a study and linked disease with poor sanitation. He created the country's first insurance company, established America's first copyright law, and became America's first best-selling author.
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Noah Webster: Weaver of Words
One of the most important patriots in post-Revolutionary times. Most readers know Noah Webster for his dictionary masterpieces and his promotion of a living "American Language" that embraces words and idioms from all its immigrant peoples. But he was also the driving force behind universal education for all citizens, including slaves, females, and adult learners. Speaker of twenty languages, he developed the new country's curriculum, writing and publishing American literature, American history, and American geography. He published New York City's first daily newspaper. As editor, Webster conducted a study and linked disease with poor sanitation. He created the country's first insurance company, established America's first copyright law, and became America's first best-selling author.
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Product Details
BN ID: | 2940170969098 |
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Publisher: | Recorded Books, LLC |
Publication date: | 11/08/2013 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
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