Etiquette and Beauty in Penmanship

Up until the last 20 years or so, one’s penmanship was considered an insight into one’s character. In fact, resumes and CVs in Japan are still most welcome in a handwritten form, so that potential employers can judge a person by their handwriting. Penmanship and letter writing were always important in terms of etiquette. Books on penmanship and letter writing were among the most read by those who wished to get ahead in life, in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Spencerian Script” was developed in 1840, and by 1866, the book, Spencerian Key to Practical Penmanship, was published and subsequently widely read. Spencerian Script became the standard across the United States. This form of penmanship remained the standard until the 1920s when the popularity of the typewriter was rising and rendered Spencerian Script’s use in business communication, suddenly obsolete.

— Above, from Etiquipedia’s private library, a handwritten letter dated March, 6, 1893, from the Meriden Britannia silver company. 

There seems to be a reaction against the rectangular style of writing which has obtained for some time, in many of the schools. A number of women were talking of it the other day, and with one voice spoke against it. One of these was a teacher of the public schools, and the others had all had experiences with young members of their families who had been taught the rectangular style, and whose writing they agreed, it had entirely ruined, as far as beauty was concerned. 

It is attractive for the little children, the teacher said, while their writing is unformed, and they follow the copy book, but the rectangular combined with the twists which character gives as it develops, is abominable. Every one of the women told as her personal experience of young girls who, beginning with the Spencerian system, had given promise of beauty in handwriting, and with the change of methods developed an ugly, and not easy style. — New York Times, 1902

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia