First edition published in 1839, this printing from 1846. Full calf 12mo, 248pp. Complete with 6 engraved plates. Very Good with scuffing to the leather and slight loss to both spine ends. Boards slightly bowed, causing splitting at the upper rear joint. Half-inch torn from the upper corner of the front flyleaf. Small area at the bottom cover and rear pastedown with brief nibbling. Contents with some foxing, otherwise clean and unmarked.

Scarce title published late in Webster's life (1758-1843). In the preface, he remarks on his personal experience of "arriving at the period of middle life" and finding the school lessons of his youth to have taught authoritative opinions, but not developed intellect. He uses the term "liberal education" to describe the broad material found in the Manual and its role as a foundation for developing a young person's inquisitiveness and critical thinking for pursuing further study.