The First English-Hawaiian Dictionary

Lahainaluna: Mea Pai Palapala o ke Kulanui, 1845. First edition. 8vo. x, 184 pp. Bound to style in quarter blue straight grain morocco over contemporary marbled paper-covered boards, extremities lightly worn; speckled edges; ownership inscription on front free endpaper of Benjamin F. Hardy ("Benjamin F. Hardy M.D. / Honolulu / Sandwich Islands / 1856"), with presumably his inscription on title-page: "First book of the language of Hawaii"; dampstaining in top edge of most leaves; foxing and offsetting to text. Forbes 1551

"The first English-Hawaiian dictionary, and one of the most important publications of the Lahainaluna Press" (Forbes). In the preface, Rev. Emerson states: "The design of this work is primarily to aid Hawaiian youth of intelligence in acquiring a knowledge of the English language; and it is intended, in connection with the grammar, to furnish them adequate help, under the direction of the living
teacher, until they can use the English Dictionary with English Definitions."

This copy contains the contemporary ownership signature of Dr. Benjamin F. Hardy, who was one of the original members of the first Board of Health in Hawaii, established by King Kamehameha in 1851.