Current Research Bulletin

This study places Noah Webster in the literary tradition of the Connecticut Wits, drawing on primary and secondary sources, including histoires, biographies, and literary studies. While not classified among the Connecticut Wits, Webster reflected much of their opinions, closely mirroring Timothy Dwight and others in fearing democratic reforms and defending the role of religion in the public square. With the bicentennial of Webster’s dictionary approaching, scholars should examine his connections with one of the first literary movements in the new nation’s history.

Noah Webster, Connecticut Wits, Hartford Wits, Timothy Dwight, Joel Barlow.

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