Webster's Third New International Dictionary (Springfield, Mass.: Merriam, 1961) generated considerable controversy. Heretofore, dictionaries had been prescriptive and served as authoritative references sources as to proper English. But this massive tome, first editions of which can still be found in public and academic libraries, took a descriptive approach, describing words as they were used and as such, sanctioned the use of slang and colloquialisms.
The ensuing war of words over the dictionary, fought out between conservatives and liberals in academic and opinion journals was a harbinger of the culture wars that would engulf all of American society as the 1960's unfolded.
