Written by
Noah Webster Jr., American, 1758 - 1843
Published by
George F. Cooledge & Brother, American, 1829 - 1863
Date
1845
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W x D: 7 × 4 1/8 × 3/8 in. (17.8 × 10.5 × 1 cm)
Caption
Popularly called "the blue-black speller," many African Americans remember Noah Webster's Elementary Spelling Book as the way they learned to read and spell after slavery.
Description
A faded blue textbook with black text titled “The Elementary Spelling Book: Being an Improvement on the American Spelling Book” by Noah Webster. Printed at the top of the cover is “THE LAST REVISED EDITION.” The title is at the center of the cover surrounded by a floral design and the author’s name. The publisher’s information is printed at the bottom of the cover. The cover is torn and faded. The book contains 168 pages. The pages are white with black text.
Place used
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Books and Published Materials
Type
spelling books
Topic
Education
Emancipation
Language
Reconstruction, U.S. History, 1865-1877
Youth
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Nancy Bercaw
Object number
2017.89
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5238a8d20-030b-4e23-ad4d-84e1bd8b8769

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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