I am currently reading a biography of Noah Webster (yeah the dictionary guy). I bought it from a bargain bin just for pure heck while I was in Williamsburg.
This is the most fascinating thing I've read in ages. Webster literally changed the way children were taught and changed the English language and "Americanized" it in a thousand ways. The way we pronounce and spell thousands of words are because of his exertions to create a "common" language for this country.
He was a womanizer (you go boy)and never really earned much money on his books and lectures. He was an early anti-slavery activist as well as the leading proponent for universal public education.
Whenever I pick up a dictionary from now on (does anyone even use them anymore?) it will be with a bit of awe and admiration for Mr. Webster.
One never knows what treasures await in the bargain bins.