The Elementary Spelling Book by Noah Webster, circa 1845

01

Artifact Overview

Noah Webster's speller offered simple guidelines for spelling and pronouncing American English words. Age-appropriate lessons taught schoolchildren to read and write, helping to define and unify American language. Known by its colored cover, Webster's "blue-backed speller" remained popular for more than 100 years. It sold so well that Webster was able to construct his New Haven, Connecticut, home using the proceeds.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Textbook

Date Made

circa 1845

Subject Date

circa 1845

Creator Notes

Written by Noah Webster and published by G. F. Cooledge & Brother, New York City, New York.

Collection Title

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

00.703.5

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Dimensions

Height: 6.875 in
Width: 4.25 in
Depth: 0.5 in