The Sign Language
Des Moines, Iowa: Robert Henderson, 1918. Second Edition. Octavo. (15 cm. x 23 cm.) 139 pp. ills. Full maroon cloth boards. Titles in gilt on spine. One page promotional. Promotional with clean tear at middle. Book Fine. Item #141
First published in 1909, Joseph Schuyler Long's "The Sign Language" is now considered the first standard picture dictionary of sign language for the deaf. Using instructional snapshots of individuals performing basic hand "signs", and a written descriptions to help enrich and deepen instruction, Long successively published one of the most popular references for a language for the deaf. Long was Principal for the Iowa School for the Deaf which was founded before the Civil War and is still considered among the best schools for the deaf in the United States. This revised (Second) edition includes signing instructions for reciting the Lord's Prayer and additional signing for observers of the Catholic faith. Included is a page of promotional material with a description of the book, price and sample photo illustration. Because this promotional material bears the imprint of Mrs. J. Schuyler Long and the address of the Iowa School For the Deaf, as well as hand editing of the promotional material in ink, it leads us to believe that this is a copy belonging to the Long family. The book is in Fine condition. The one-page promotional material has a neat, clean tear at the middle due to being creased in half.
Price: $350.00