Tongue, by the Organs of Speech. By Thomas Sheridan, A. M. Author of the Lectures on Elocution.
12mo. This title is taken from the edition printed in Philadelphia by Robert Bell and Francis Bailey in 1783. The title-page
contains the statement that “This American Edition is published under the Inspection of Archibald Gamble, A. M. Professor
of English and Oratory, in the University of Pennsylvania.”
The edition printed in Dublin, 1781, in duodecimo, called for by the Library of Congress Catalogues of 1839 and later has
not been located. It is not listed in any bibliography or catalogue consulted, including the Catalogue of the Library of the
British Museu, and the National Union Catalog.
In 1780 was published in London in two volumes quarto A General Dictionary of the English Language . . . To which is Prefixed
a Rhetorical Grammar. By Thomas Sheridan.
This was reprinted in Dublin in 1784 in one volume octavo, by P. Wogan and P. Byrne. The half-title reads: A Rhetorical Grammar
of the English Language. Calculated solely for the Purposes of teaching Propriety of Pronunciation, and Justness of Delivery,
in that Tongue, by the Organs of Speech.
As far as has been ascertained, an edition of the complete work was not printed in Dublin in 1781, nor was there a separate
edition of the Rhetorical Grammar. [
not true--
Ed.] The Philadelphia edition (Evans 18184) is the only separate edition in 12mo located.
Thomas Sheridan, 1719-1788, Irish actor and teacher was the father of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. For another work by him see no. 4655.
[4847]
115
Waldo’s Rudiments of
English grammar.
8
vo.
1815 Catalogue, page 168, no. 92, as above.
WALDO,
John.
Rudiments of
English Grammar, designed for the Instruction of Youth of different Ages or Capacities. By John Waldo.
Georgetown, (S. C.) Printed by
Francis M. Baxter.
1811.
First Edition. 8vo. 120 leaves, the last a blank.
Jefferson’s copy was sent to him by the author, who wrote from Georgetown, S. C., on March 27, 1813: “Having with much care and under pecualiar difficulties written a grammar of the English language, my object is now to make
the public acquainted with its real merits. But the present wage for publishing works of this kind has rendered them so numerous
as to destroy all curiosity to examine them, and the high repute in which Lindly Murray’s is held, has also removed all expectation
of material improvement in them. Whatever merit therefore a new work of this kind may possess it must, without the aid of
the few who are free from prejudices, remain in obscurity. I have, therefore, knowing your laudable zeal for the promotion
of literature and your ability to judge of the merits of literary productions, and convinced also of the great influence your
name would give its circulation taken the liberty of presenting you with a copy of my grammar and of requesting the favor
of you to give it a thorough examination, if your other numerous and more important avocations, would not put it out of your
power. I would not make this intrusion on your time, were I not convinced that the work possesses merit worthy the patronage
of the public. In this opinion I am supported by some of the first literary characters in this state who have favoured me
with their recommendations, with permission to publish them in the next edition. They all unite in its being highly philosophical,
while it possesses a simplicity that is well adapted to the capacity of children. I have also found from experience that upon
the plan I have there adapted that very young children acquire the first principles of grammar with remarkable facility.
"If such are its merits it is a duty I owe not only ”
